Mccullough chasing professional dream withclaretsswitch
PORTADOWN record-breaker Dane Mccullough says it’s a dream come true to follow his cousin Luke into professional football.
The 16-year-old has finalised a move to Premier League side Burnley on a two-year scholarship, ensuring the proud family name continues in the sport.
His grandfather Barry, father Neil and uncle Gary all played senior football for the Ports, while his cousin and Northern Ireland international Luke has signed for Glentoran after his release from Tranmere Rovers.
Now following in their footsteps, left-back Dane is the youngest ever player to play league football for Portadown, having made his bow last year aged just 15 years and 121 days.
His progress was noticed across the water soon after, with trials at Ipswich and Oldham, as well as a contract offer from the latter, followed up by a week at Burnley. Once he and his parents saw the set-up in place at the Clarets, he says he was never going anywhere else.
“This is my dream come true. This is all I want,” he told Ports TV. “They’re pushing for a Europa League place, they’re a brilliant club and the facilities are fantastic. We were blown away by them when we went over. I knew then that this is where I want to be.
“During the time I was there, I was training with the Under-18s and the quality of the sessions were fantastic. When I go in, it’s going to be completely new to me. I just can’t wait to get started.
“Throughout lockdown, we’ve been on zoom calls back and forward and the programme started at the beginning of July. It has felt like I’ve been a real part of the club since then, even before moving over.”
Now the hard work begins, although Mccullough will have the right people close at hand for advice.
“Luke drives me on to want to become a professional,” he said of the former Manchester United Academy star. “I just want to keep the family name in football.
“My granda’s quite laid-back but my dad wants me to become a pro. He says football is everything.
“Obviously I want to push for that professional contract at Burnley, which won’t be easy. I just have to work hard.
“Maybe I can even push for the Youth Cup team and get a few games for the Under-23s come the end of the season.”