Cork City defender Alan Bennett has tipped his on-loan centre-back partner Ryan Delaney for Championship or even Premier League success over the course of his career.
35-year-old Bennett, who enjoyed spells in English football with Brentford, Wycombe Wanderers and AFC Wimbledon, has made over 200 appearances during his time across the Irish Sea and has tipped partner Delaney for big things in his career.
Delaney - on loan at Cork from the Brewers - has impressed during his time on loan in his native Republic of Ireland and, having originally joined on a six-month-deal in January, his performances prompted Cork boss John Caufield to move to extend his stay until the end of the Irish season in October.
It's been a worthwhile experience for the 20-year-old - who signed for Albion from Wexford Youths last summer but couldn't break into the first team - and he's gained valuable experience in Europe as well as topping the domestic table with Cork.
And Bennett, who knows what it takes to make regular appearances in English football, is certain that Delaney is set for big things.
"He’s been really brilliant," Benentt told the Irish Sun.
"It was a bit more of a challenge when Conor McCormack went back there, with him not being a natural centre-half.
“But Ryan’s been fantastic, he’s getting better and better, he’s going to keep progressing, which is great.
“He’s got the physicality. He’s an animal, he can lift weights no problem, and he’s at quite a good technical level.
“The sky is the limit really because in centre-half terms, he’s only 20, so he’s not going to hit his prime for about ten years.
Transfer talk
“He could be anywhere - a high Championship or Premier League player. He’s got a really good attitude, which is the most important thing.
“He asks questions and will always take stuff on board — and that’s what you want, a guy who is willing to learn. He’s only 20 but he comes across as way more mature.”
