Promising Luke

Young centre back Luke has a bright future ahead of him, we take a look at why.

Luke McCullough joined Rovers in the summer 2013 from Manchester United, whom he had joined in 2010 from Irish club Dungannon Swifts. At the age of 15, he played in the IFA Premiership, which is the top league in his native country, Northern Ireland.

Upon moving to Manchester, he made 25 youth appearances as team captain for the 2011-2012 season. And in January 2013 he made a short term loan move to Cheltenham making 1 appearance. Luke was released from Old Trafford in the summer 2013, and joined Doncaster on trial.

After impressing Paul Dickov, he was quickly signed up as one for the future, signing a 2 year contract. 

However, Paul needed to use the youngster quicker then expected with injury to Rob Jones andJamie McCombe, he made his debut and played the full game against Brighton in November. He has since made 13 appearances for Rovers.

Many people have been impressed with Luke, whilst he is not the defender that Rob Jones is, he does show a lot of promise. Especially with his ball playing skills, in fact it has been this that has called for many fans wondering if he could provide cover further up the field as a defensive midfielder.

During his first run in the side, he was partnering Khumalo, however, with the South African picking up an injury, fellow youngster Liam Wakefield was called on to step up. Unfortunately this partnership didn't have a great effect, mainly due to lack of experience of the two 20 year olds. This was not a decision Paul Dickov had wanted to do, but he was forced due to injury. The next game Liam moved to right back, and Paul Quinn partnered Luke, which worked much better and took the pressure off the too youngsters a bit.

Against Watford, with Tamas missing the game due to injury, the back 4 consisted of Coppinger, Quinn, Meite and Husband, however, injury to Meite saw Luke McCullough take his place, he put in a solid display despite the incident which led to Watford's goal, which seemed to involve lack of communication from Husband, allowing his man to run behind Luke who was watching the ball. This is expected with a defense that doesn't play together.

Watching Luke, reminds me a bit of Sam Hird, not in the style or way they play, but Sam was fantastic, when he had a strong character such as Matt Mills next to him, however when Sam was playing the lead role at the back, he wasn't as good. And I think at the moment Luke is the same, he would be great playing with and learning from a leader such as Rob Jones, but he is not ready to be the lead man.

One further thing that impresses me is his professionalism off the field, now I am aware of his naughty behavior whilst at Manchester United, but on the social media he does come across very well. Much more mature then a lot of youngsters, you only have to look at ex Rover Oscar Radford to see what I mean. This tells me Luke is the type of player that can develop and reach his potential.

Pior to joining Rovers, Luke had been capped for Northern Ireland at u16, u17 and u19 level. His move to Doncaster earned him his first call up for the u21 squad and he has gone on to make 6 appearances so far. I would certainly tip him to make a full international appearance within the next few years.

The future looks bright for Luke, he has shown he is quite capable at this level and will only improve the more experience he gains. Next season could be very important for him, with Rob having a career threatening injury and Jamie McCombe unknown how he will return. Also with Tamas and Meite only on short term deals and contracts expire at the end of the season, finally Khumalo is unlikely to play for Rovers again after a season ending injury picked up on international duty and will return to parent club,  Tottenham. This only leaves Luke and Liam Wakefield here next season, in my opinion Liam is not ready, I would also like to see Meite and Tamas here next season, but there are a lot of signs showing Luke could play am important part next season.

After this, who knows, he has the potential to go far in the game, let's hope this future star can bring a lot to Rovers.

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