Cooney '˜loved' the atmosphere of his Boston United debut

The 19-year-old Irishman - who left Brentford’s academy in the summer - made his Pilgrims debut in Saturday’s victory over Hednesford after impressing during training with the club.

“It was a really good debut,” the lad from Galway said.

“I was absolutely delighted with the result and the performance.

“I was at Brentford last season and it’s completely different. I loved it.

“The crowd never stopped singing their hearts out, they kept us going.

“At academy football level there’s not many supporters or spectators.

“The jump up means there’s a great atmosphere.”

After leaving Brentford, Clooney had trialled with Millwall, Shrewsbury Town, Bury and Carlisle United.

However, a groin injury and lack of senior experience left him looking for a club.

“I was on trial at Carlisle last month and was told to get some games. I’ve been unlucky with injuries this season,” Cooney continued.

“They’ve all said the same thing, play football.

“I think being at Boston can help me achieve something I want to achieve.”

After recently turning out for Brighouse Town, he got the nod from Dennis Greene this weekend.

And now Cooney wants to become a regular for United.

“I really hope we can get promoted and I can play in the Conference National next year,” he added.

Saturday’s debut also saw the teenager make a perfectly-timed last-man challenge to deny Town’s Ahmed Obeng, where a mistimed slide could have seen him sent off.

Reflecting, he said: “It’s one of those things that can go wrong, but thankfully everything went right for me.”