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Shane McFaul - one for the future

When Nicholas Fenton picked up a knock, during County’s 4-0 thrashing at the hands of Swindon yesterday, Billy handed a debut to Shane McFaul – a young man who many Notts fans knew very little about.

So in order to gain an understanding of just who Shane McFaul is, NCM will take an in depth look at the youngster.

Shane McFaul signed from Cherry Orchard, a club in his native Republic of Ireland, for an undisclosed fee signing for the club on a trainee basis in May 2002, a contract that should see him remain with the club until summer 2006.

Since his arrival he has been a hit in both youth and reserve sides before yesterday making his first team debut against Swindon Town after coming off the bench to play in a right back position for 35plus minutes of the second half.

However, the Swindon call-up was not the first time Dearden required his services as he has previously been called up for the substitute’s bench on three occasions in the 2002/03 campaign.

The youngster has already been capped at under -16 International level for the Republic of Ireland, and he recently received a call up for an Under-18’s tournament to be held later between the 26^th and 30^th of this month. The tournament will be held in Vaclev Jazek, Czech Republic, and should see an array of young talent on show from Slovakia, Sweden and the Czech Republic itself.

However, the starlet is not only a defender but his versatility allows McFaul to perform across the defence or, if need be, in midfield.

Soon after signing Shane, John Gaunt, Youth Team manager, said 'Every time we have watched Shane play, he's impressed in some shape or form and he'll undoubtedly be a great asset to the club.'

Shane McFaul was recently handed the squad number 22, and joins the senior squad along with fellow member of the Midland Youth Cup winning side, as pictured below, Willis Francis.

Both will be itching for first team experience so it gives no room for County’s small squad to grow complacent of their position as McFaul and Francis will not be last of the youngsters knocking on the first team’s door.