The highly-rated youngster played 90 minutes in the Championship on Saturday
Teenager Cathal McCarthy admits playing alongside John Egan is a privilege, as he looks to make his way in the Championship at Hull City.
McCarthy was handed a surprise debut on Saturday, just weeks after arriving at City from University College in Dublin, and partnered one of his childhood heroes in the heart of the back four.
The 18-year-old was drafted in owing to the absence of Charlie Hughes, Semi Ajayi and Akin Famewo against Blackburn Rovers, and endured a tough introduction to senior football with City well beaten.
McCarthy, who spoke to Hull Live during the recent training camp in Turkey, says that it’s been a bit of a whirlwind since arriving in the summer, and almost immediately being thrust into the first team setup.
“It’s kind of been a bit unexpected, to be honest, coming over,” McCarthy said of his arrival at City and then being part of the first team setup.
“I always wanted to get into the first team as quickly as possible, but after a week, I didn’t expect to be anywhere near it, to be honest, so really, really nice to be asked,” the youngster said.
“It’s been tough. I was with the (Under) 21s for the first three or four days, and it’s just another step up again, a big step up, quicker, you have to play off one touch a lot of the time. Yeah, it’s a massive step up, definitely.”
Jakirovic utilised McCarthy as a holding midfielder at times during pre-season, before playing him in his natural central defensive position against Rovers, and he says the head coach’s approach has been enjoyable.
“He’s good, really good. I like him. He’s really relaxed and just wants you to do your thing, play forward and just be positive the whole time; it’s really good.
“He’s clear. He just wants you to be positive all the time. Can you get your head up? Can you play a forward pass? Obviously, look, if you have to pass backwards or sideways, keep the ball absolutely, but he wants you playing attacking football, playing forward and just being as positive as much as you can. That’s it. That’s his message.”
Given the list of absentees at the weekend, McCarthy got the opportunity to play alongside experienced campaigner Egan, and he says operating alongside his fellow countryman was a pinch-yourself moment.
“Absolutely (a big moment). I used to watch him the whole time when I was younger. I’d go to the Aviva Stadium and watch him play for Ireland, so yeah, it’s nice to actually be this close to him.
“You can chat to him, bounce off him and learn a few things, especially as he’s a defender just like me, so try to learn a thing or two, I suppose.
“It’s massive (to gain the experience alongside him). I literally watched him (Egan) growing up, as well as a lot of other Irish centre halves. That’s who you look up to when you go to watch them in the Aviva Stadium. I have to pinch myself sometimes. I’m here, I’m beside him, I’m learning from him, so it’s brilliant to be honest.”
While he’s now at Ewood Park, McCarthy praised former Tigers defender Sean McLoughlin for his help and guidance earlier in the pre-season, with the pair playing together against Lincoln City at the the start of the summer.
“I got a chance to play alongside Sean McLoughlin in a pre-season friendly against Lincoln, so another Irish centre half. He’s just easy. He talks you through the game,” he continued.
“When you’re coming up as a young lad, that was my first game in senior men’s football over in England, so that’s exactly what I needed someone to chat to me through the game and help me out.”
McCarthy remains determined to do whatever he can to give himself the best chance of keeping himself firmly in Jakirovic’s thoughts as the weeks go on.
“I was over the moon to be asked (to be part of the first team squad), but now I’m here, I want to leave a mark,” he continued. “I know it’s a cliche, but I don’t just want to go through the motions. I want to show that I can play at this level. I’ve got to prove myself for the whole season and try and play as well as I can to give myself the best chance.”
You can listen to the full interview with Cathal McCarthy in the latest episode of the 1904 Club podcast right here
Here at Hull Live, we are dedicated to bringing you the best Hull City coverage and analysis. Make sure you don’t miss out on the latest City news by joining our free WhatsApp group. You can get all the breaking news and best analysis sent straight to your phone by clicking here to subscribe. You can also subscribe to our free newsletter service. Click here to be sent all the day’s biggest stories.