Troy Deeney encourages young Irish sensation to steer clear of game’s bad influences

Ryan Cassidy is headed in the right direction.

And wherever he wants to go he's intent on getting there sooner rather than later. The St Kevin's Boys product has taken England by storm ever since he made the move across the water just over eight months ago. After cutting loose in the country's under-18 ranks, the explosive, goal hungry front man was rewarded with his first professional contract with the Hornets. It was hardly surprising that the London club were so swift in securing the signature of the in-demand Dubliner, who's 16 goals in the minor ranks saw his earn a call up to the club's under-23s, where he has also turned in a number of eye catching performances. In an age where the Republic of Ireland football team are turning to new blood like Sean Maguire and Declan Rice, the emergence of another budding prospect is a huge positive. We aren't the only ones with high hopes for the 17-year-old, with the Watford captain Troy Deeney waxing lyrical about the unlimited potential at this man's feet. Deeney is clued in enough, however, to realise that potential doesn't always equate to a successful career. He's seen loads of highly rated youngsters fall by the way side due to deficiencies in their mentalities, due to the influence of money in the pocket.

"I really like him, and like him as a player. If he can grow mentally and physically, he can be the next person to come through the academy,” Deeney said to the Watford Observer.

The 29-year-old, who has been at Vicarage Road for the last eight years sees a solid head on the young shoulders of his fellow centre forward and firmly believes he has the psyche and hunger to succeed. He's been that soldier himself, and having encountered some bumpy patches in his own career, he's hopeful that the youngster continues on the upward curve that he's currently on.

“He is a great kid. His attitude is good, but now he’s getting attention, people are talking about him and his money has gone up. That is when people start changing. “I’ve done that first hand and I’ve been there, there are a lot of distractions. Hopefully we’ll steer him away from that, but also let him learn."

There's no stopping that man Cassidy.