The Official site has announced that striker Billy McKay has signed a new one year contract with Leicester City.
They go on to explain that the 19-year-old, who went out on loan to Hinkley United for a month last season, has worked his way through the ranks all the way into the first team squad (for the away trip to Sheffied United last April). He was also a prolific goalscorer during the 2006/07 season helping the Under 18’s win the FA Premier Academy League title.
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It will be interesting to see if he features in the first team. Billy’s strengths are that he sees the game well, has the energy and enthusiasm to chase lost causes, has a good eye for goal and is excellent at bringing others into play.
For me the big question will be whether he develops the physical strength to make those qualities count as a first teamer.
He’s a 100%er and it will be interesting to see if he gets the opportunities which failed to come Louis Dodd’s way at the same age and, of course, whether he takes them.
Assuming McKay will be included in the genuine first team squad he will join Logan, Stearman, Wesolowski, Mattock, Sheehan, Andy King, Porter and, presumably, Gradel as having graduated from our Under 18 ranks to the seniors or to senior contention.
He won’t need telling that the last steps are the hardest but he’s been a trophy winner at City and that won’t do his cause any harm. As the season’s pass it’s becoming a fairly exclusive ‘club’!
I am sure the many of us who have watched his progress in Academy and/or reserves football will wish him the best of luck.
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Good player, fast. We will only have to wait and see to see if he can make it or not.
Billy’s irrepressible. Even when he’s up against it he doesn’t let his head drop but keeps trying to work an opening, closing people down, making another selfless run.
What a contrast to the imports we had at the beginning of the last reserves season who were either unfit, out of their natural environment, out of their depth or just not bothered.
One thing you can say about Billy McKay is that he doesn’t let people down. I’ve never seen him go out and fail to earn his wages.
Played a big part in our win over Sunderland in the Academy Youth Cup play-off final. I don’t know if he’ll prove good enough for the first team but I hope so and I do know this… If every player on our staff had his spirit and wholeheartedness we wouldn’t go far wrong. Best of luck to the lad.