Connor Ronan named International U17 Player of the Year

Connor Ronan presented with his award by Republic of Ireland Internationals Seamus Coleman and Richard Keogh

Connor Ronan has been named the International under-17s Player of the Year at a Dublin awards ceremony.

The former St Cuthbert’s pupil, who joined Wolverhampton Wanderers from home town club Rochdale at the start of the 2014/15 season, flew to the Irish capital on Thursday 17 March with his proud dad Steve, and was presented the award by senior Republic of Ireland Internationals Seamus Coleman and Richard Keogh.

Connor has played for the Under-18s and Under-21s this season having joined the first team on last summer’s pre-season tour.

Under-21s coach Scott Sellars said: “Since Connor came into the football club he has impressed everybody. He has great ability and a great attitude – he loves playing football and has a real enthusiasm about it.

“He had an impressive season last year and that led on to going away with the first team during the summer. He has spent this season mainly moving between ourselves and the Under-18s, particularly working with Jerry (Gill) and those lads during the FA Youth Cup run.

“In the last month he has been back with us with the Under-21s and he has been outstanding.

“I have watched a lot of his Ireland games as well and think he has been the best player there which also bodes well for the future.

“If he keeps going as he is, and keeps working hard, then with his attitude and ability we all feel he is going to have a really good career.”

“When he has come back to us from the Under-21s group to train and to play he has shown a really good attitude and that is an example to the other lads in the squad. I have really enjoyed working with him, he is technically gifted but also has the personal standards and the right attitude to go along with that.

“Now he is back doing well with the Under-21s and hopefully he can continue that progress and be back knocking on the door of the first team in the future.”

A spokesperson for St Cuthbert’s School said: “A massive congratulations to one of our ex-pupils, Connor Ronan. Connor picked up the prestigious award of The Republic of Ireland’s under-17 player of the year on Sunday night. The former St Patrick’s Primary and St Cuthbert’s High School pupil currently plays for Wolverhampton Wanderers and the Republic of Ireland and is experiencing great success. Well done Connor – we are all very proud of you.”

Proud dad Steve said: “He’s been playing since he was just seven and has always been an amazing player. He’s doing a cracking job and has a great future ahead of him.”