Crystal Palace new boy Cormac Austin has described his move from Irish League champions Linfield to the Premier League in one simple word: Phenomenal.
The 16-year-old had been on the radar of a number of cross-channel clubs but opted to join the Eagles who confirmed the move on Monday afternoon.
After signing a three year deal, Austin told the Palace website : “I couldn’t believe it when it happened and to be here now, I couldn’t put into words. It’s phenomenal.
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“The facilities are top class, the pitches we play on are immaculate, the camaraderie is amazing and it’s a real family club. I can’t wait to get started.”
Austin has joined the Palace Academy’s Under-18 squad having previously captained the Northern Ireland at under-16 level.
But the talented midfielder has “high aims” and is determined to make a positive early impression as he prepares for his debut season in South London.
“I want to do well in the league and also the Youth Cup,” he said.
“I want to try and make a few appearances for the U23s, maybe get on the bench here and there or maybe start. It’s a high aim but you have to do it, don’t you.
“As a player that’s where you want to go. You want to get to the next level. For me personally, they’re my goals.”
Austin, who hails from Belfast and was previously on the books of Cliftonville, made his Linfield debut in a 11-0 BetMcLean League Cup win over the PSNI in November.
The teenager, a technically gifted holding midfielder who can also play box-to-box, made his bow as a half-time substitute for long serving Blues captain Jamie Mulgrew.
“At the time I was only 15 and it was kind of like ‘you want me to play an actual match?’” he smiled. “But it was reality when I got a call from David (Healy) when I was on the bench.
“He said ‘get warmed up Cormac, you’re going on’. I was a bit in shock because at 15, it was a surreal moment for me and my family.”
On his parents' influence on his young career, Austin said: “From day dot, they were massive for me in terms of sport. It was kind of ‘get out of the house and go do something’.
“They were driving me everywhere and giving me advice and encouragement, things like that. It meant a lot to me and I can’t thank them enough.”
Academy director Gary Issott added: “Cormac joins an exciting Under-18 group and will be a strong addition to the side. We wish him all the very best of luck for his time with us."
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