Linfield sensation Braiden Graham won’t be fazed by Irish Cup Final: Michael Gault

The 16-year-old Northern Ireland youth international is joining Premier League side Everton in the summer and he would love to sign off his Linfield chapter with an historic win on Saturday.

The young attacking player produced a man of the match performance in the 1-1 Premiership draw with Larne and his fearless approach to the game, allied to his extraordinary talent, makes him a strong contender to feature in the showpiece.

Linfield manager David Healy was praised for showing courage in selecting the teenager for such a huge game but the former Northern Ireland striker has been impressed with the progress of the young players such as Graham, Aodhan Doherty, Rhys Annett and Ceadach O’Neill.

Gault, who won seven League titles and six Irish Cups with the Blues, is Linfield Swifts boss and he can fully understand the admiration for Graham who has been guided by the club and the JD Academy.

Graham was on the bench for the BetMcLean Cup Final but Gault will not be surprised if he is handed an opportunity to shine against Cliftonville.

“Braiden looks like a seasoned pro, he belongs on this stage,” said Gault who also had spells at Crusaders, Portadown, Ballymena United and Annagh United.

“The gaffer has no reservations about throwing him into the team and you can see why because he’s a phenomenal talent.

“He’s going to Everton in the summer which is an exciting move for him and he’s one of the best players I have seen at that age. I was lucky enough to see him play for a few years and Andy Waterworth speaks highly of him in the JD Academy.

“Braiden has had good coaching and advice. We are all delighted with his progress. He will see the praise in the media but it won’t faze him, he’s not arrogant or big time. It’s not a case of thinking he has made it, he just wants to score goals.

“He’s a young kid with no pressure on his shoulders, he performs like a street footballer and David (Healy) has shown great courage to play him but it wasn’t a big risk considering his talent.

“I hope he gets some game time in the Final. That’s David’s call but he performed very well in the biggest game of the season against Larne.

“He got man of the match but I’m sure he was disappointed he didn’t score. Braiden has made a fantastic start to his career and it’s only just beginning.”

Former midfield warrior Gault is a veteran of titanic Blues v Reds clashes but this Irish Cup Final involving the Belfast rivals hasn’t happened since 1934.

“I’ve played against Cliftonville numerous times both at Solitude and Windsor Park when titles and trophies are on the line, I know how tough an opponent they can be,” said Gault who won the Setanta Cup with Linfield.

“I can remember a Semi-Final win at The Oval when Jamie Mulgrew was man of the match. It was a brilliant atmosphere and we were brilliant that day.

“I watched Cliftonville against Larne in the Semi-Final and I thought they were outstanding. Larne were very good when they played Linfield at Windsor and I think this will be a very close game — you want your team to turn up on the big day and not be affected by the big crowd.

“It’s not a forgone conclusion for either side, the Reds have been strong this season and they kept pace with Linfield and Larne for long periods.

“They are two well supported sides and hopefully it’s a brilliant football occasion.

“You can’t change the history books but a first Final between the old rivals in 90 years is something that excites everyone.

“Linfield are more used to winning but Jim (Magilton) has played for Northern Ireland and managed Ipswich Town, he knows what the big occasion is all about and their players have experience of big finals.

“It’s a breathtaking game for the neutral, it will have goals, mistakes — the lot.”