A man of the match award in an FA Cup tie against Liverpool is what most youngsters' dream of.

Well, that dream became a reality for former Banagher GAA player Eunan O'Kane who produced an excellent performance for Championship side Bournemouth as they pushed his boyhood idols Liverpool all the way in last weekend's FA Cup tie.

The Premiership side came away with a 2-0 win, but it was Derry native O'Kane who caught the eye against his idol Steven Gerard as the 23-year-old was impressive in midfield and earned the man of the match award.

O'Kane lined out for Banagher at underage level before concentrating on his soccer career which has gone from strength to strength in recent years.

"It's not often you get man of the match when you're on the losing team. But you need the people around you to perform well. I got it but I'd see it as a reward for all the boys. It was pretty special to have my family there to see it," O'Kane told the County Derry Post.

Another interested spectator at the game was Republic of Ireland assistant manager Roy Keane who can only have been impressed by the former Republic of Ireland under-21 international's performance. Tweet

Most Read Stories