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Gregory Cunningham
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Gregory Cunningham
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Greg made his first team bow on 24th January 2010, replacing Nigel De Jong at half time in the 4 -2 FA Cup fourth round win at Scunthorpe. Originally a forward, the pacey left-sided player has evolved into a full back to meet the modern demands of the game.
Signed from Ireland's Mervue United in 2007, the versatile left back has been a key player in the Under 18s and reserves ever since, featuring in the academy team that reached the semi-finals of the FA Youth Cup in 2009.
He has also represented his country at Under 17 and Under 19 levels, starting all six games so far in the 2009/2010 season for Sean McCaffrey's men before getting the call for the senior team in May 2010.
The tough-tackling defender has clearly caught the eye of new boss Roberto Mancini in training since the Italian's arrival at CoMS in December 2009.
This eagerness in the challenge earned him a caution only two minutes into his substitute debut, with a fully-committed challenge being harshly penalised. Fellow academy graduates Abdisalam Ibrahim and Dedryck Boyata also unexpectedly featured in the match, with all three receiving special praise from the manager afterwards.
Indeed, footballing blood runs in the Irishman's family. His grandfather, Matthew Lee, played for Kilmarnock and Ireland before him, and the latter is clearly something the bright prospect will wish to emulate.
