For loi19.com: Left-back Desmond has the striker's touch for Shels

He hadn’t scored in over three years but he now has two goals in six games – and left-back Lee Desmond is aiming to keep the front foot forward as Shelbourne look to maintain their impressive form in their bid to become only the second side to win the League of Ireland u19 Elite Division title.

Youngster Desmond looks to kick-start career following Newcastle release

Every summer, hundreds of Irish youngsters from various age groups make their way across the Irish Sea with stars in their eyes to take up contract offers from professional clubs all over England - and every year, making the return journey, are a slightly older group, their bright eyes dimmed by the rash realisation that their dreams have been dashed.