Chris, who was added to the first team squad in the summer of 2005, was the unanimous choice as Young Player of the Year following a stunning debut season. The midfielder had been an integral part of the youth team squad that reached the final of the Youth Alliance Cup and also impressed in his outings for the reserve team while still a first year apprentice. Manager Steve Cotterill catapulted the Dubliner into his squad for the 2005/06 pre-season matches and after fitting in well with the senior players and proving his ability on tour in Austria, he was given a squad number. The teenager made such an impression in the first half of the campaign that he was awarded a professional contract in December 2005, which runs to the summer of 2009. He finished the season as a mainstay in central midfield before joining the Republic of Ireland U19 squad in their European Championships Elite Round in Slovakia. |
