U18/U21 Development Thread (23 Viewers)

Nathan Rego, the Somerset Eagles striker, could become the third Bermudian behind Kyle Lightbourne and Shaun Goater to play for Sky Bet League One side Coventry City.

The 16-year-old caught the eye of Coventry scouts during summer trials at Sutton Coldfield and he is now anxiously waiting to learn whether he will be offered a professional contract.

“I felt I did very well in the trials in May and gave it 110 per cent,” said Rego, whose 19 goals were instrumental in Somerset being crowned First Division champions last season.

“I played in different positions but made it work whereas out of 52 people I was the only person they [Coventry] approached at the end of the trial requesting my information.

“The coaches gave a lot of different pointers that Bermudian teams I have played with recently haven’t given, so that experience was a good learning experience.

“It feels good at the end of the day that when I have worked hard enough that Coventry scouted me and wanted my information and good to know that other Bermudians played there as well.”

Lightbourne, who now coaches Robin Hood, made seven appearances for Coventry between 1997-98 while Goater made six appearances during a brief loan spell in 2005 with the club towards the end of his illustrious career.

Asked about his thoughts of another Bermudian potentially following in his footsteps at the Midlands club, Lightbourne said: “It would be great if he joined Coventry because it’s an opportunity for him first and foremost and if he gets this opportunity let’s hope he takes it.”

Lightbourne is acutely aware of the potential the player possesses having trained him at national youth level.

“He’s showing in his early days of football in Bermuda that he knows where the back of the net is and he has a very, very high level of fitness that probably impressed them [Coventry] as well,” Lightbourne added.

“When we have done fitness with the national team it’s not too many people that can finish in front of him, so that’s a big plus.”

Rego, who also caught the eye of scouts from Crewe Alexander during summer trials, is presently studying at the Harefield Academy which is in partnership with the Watford Development programme.

“Playing for my new school is very fun, I must say, and so far we are very successful,” Rego said. “In the four games we have played we’ve won all four and in those four games I have scored a goal each game and have seven assists.”

Rego is confident that Eagles, who marked their return to the top flight with a 2-0 defeat away to Boulevard at Police Field on Sunday, can cope in his absence.

“I feel Somerset Eagles are going to do very well without me,” he said. “They were grooming strikers when I was there, so now they have to play their part, and I feel they are going to step up and do what they have to do to succeed and do well in the Premier Division.

“I miss Somerset Eagles a whole lot, playing with them and the team chemistry. The camaraderie we all had on and off the pitch was good, and so of course I miss my team-mates.”

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Coventry City duo George Thomas and Darragh Leahy have both been called up to represent their respective countries during the international break.

Forward Thomas will represent the Wales Under-21 side, while defender Leahy has been called up to the Republic of Ireland Under-19s squad.

Thomas travels with the Wales squad to face Armenia on the 11th October in their final Under-21 UEFA Qualifier. Leahy has been included to play in three UEFA Qualifying matches against host's Albania, Gibraltar and Germany between 6th-11th October.

As a result, both players will be absent from the Sky Blues' Checkatrade Trophy game against Northampton Town tonight.

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Nick said:

Is Ponticelli getting much of a change in the U23 or is he way behind?

Seems to be finding it easy at under 18 level.

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