Derry City boss Lynch makes big prediction about Gavin Whyte's potential impact after stunning solo goal

The Irish Sun

24-04-2025

TIERNAN LYNCH reckons Gavin Whyte's brilliant solo effort against Sligo Rovers shows he can be one of the best players in the Premier division.
The former Portsmouth forward lit up the Brandywell on Tuesday night when he raced from his own half with the ball to score the third in
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After a sluggish start, his side are now only three points off top spot in the table
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Whyte first came through the ranks at NIFL side Crusaders
And Candystripes boss Lynch said: 'I don't think anybody ever doubted Gavin's quality.
'The big thing from our end was trying to be patient with Gavin.
'I know probably the fans got a little bit impatient with us because you bring arguably a top, top player in who's got the potential to be right up there with Mickey Duffy as one of the best players in the league.'
Lynch believes his team have another 'three or four gears' in them and is confident Northern Ireland international Whyte will be a key player this season.
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But he admits they have to be patient with the ex-Crusaders man who is only just returning to full-time football after leaving Fratton Park last summer for family reasons.
Lynch added: 'You want him on the pitch but our big fear at the time was getting Gavin back.
'He hadn't played in a long time. Probably wasn't fit enough and you wouldn't have seen the best of him and he would've potentially broken down.
'That was tough for us and it was tough for Gavin but I think he has to take great credit for his patience and his work ethic to get himself back.
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'He's still not where he needs to be but he's showing glimpses.'
Although currently sixth in the Premier Division, Derry are only three points off Drogheda United in top spot.
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Tomorrow night, they travel to the RSC to face managerless Waterford.
And Derry supremo Lynch expects the Blues to be like a 'wounded animal' following the departure of Keith Long and Monday's 2-1 defeat against Cork City.
He said 'It will be a tough game.
'There's obviously a bit of travel in it and we know they're capable of beating anybody, they've already shown that.
'Sometimes a wounded animal is something you have to worry about so we'll not take anything for granted.
'We know if we're going to get anything out of there on Friday night we have to work for it.'