Bohemians' Daniel Grant: 'My first Dublin Derby is one I'll never forget - the lads just told me to enjoy it'

In the space of just nine months Daniel Grant has gone from lining out for Bangor Celtic in the Leinster Senior League to starting in a Dublin Derby win over Shamrock Rovers.

Having joined Bohemians’ under-19 side in July, he was called into Keith Long’s first team squad during pre- season in January and made his league debut two months later.

It’s been whirlwind few months by anyone’s standards and one that’s got League of Ireland fans talking following some very mature and composed performances from Grant.

Speaking shortly after his first Dublin Derby experience and start he spoke to extratime.ie about the game itself and how he is finding the step up to senior football.

“My first Dublin Derby is one that I’ll never forget,” the 18-year-old said.

“It was absolutely incredible to win it so late and experience the scenes at the end. There was a couple of my family there too so it was great to see them so proud.

“The lads just told me to stay as calm as possible and settle myself into the game because they’ve all experienced the nerves of playing their first Dublin Derby too.

“A lot of them just told me to enjoy it and not to worry about anything else – just enjoy it.”

It was while playing for the Bangor Celtic senior side that Grant started really catching the eye with his performances. He spoke fondly about his time with the Crumlin club.

“I loved my time at Bangor. It’s a club full of really good people.

“I think it’s helped me slightly to adjust from 19s to the physicality in the first team because I’ve been in and around senior football before.”

Making such progress in such a short space of time could easily become overwhelming for someone of such a young age.

But, speaking to the Bohs striker about the possibilities that could come his way if he continues to show such progress, it is refreshing to see how mature and focussed he is.

“It’s all happened so quickly from getting the chance in the team in the EA Sports cup to starting in the Dublin derby in the space of 3 weeks.

“I absolutely loved my time with the 19s. It’s a really good league and the group of lads we have are unreal.

“Finishing last year as league champions was a great achievement too and I have memories there that I’ll never forget.

“I just have to keep working hard and keep improving, that’s all I can do and to make sure I’m at the right club to get given the chances when they come my way.”

Like every young footballer, the dream is to eventually don the green jersey at international level.

But, for now, this talented young footballer is happy to just keep his head down and continue to work hard.

“Putting on the green jersey is every young footballer’s dream but that doesn’t happen overnight. I just have to continue to work hard every day and try to keep improving.”