David Clifford has reportedly turned down an opportunity to join an AFL club and has instead committed to Kerry for the 2018 season.
Irish Examiner sports editor Tony Leen writes that talks involving Clifford, Kerry senior manager Eamonn Fitzmaurice, U20 manager Jack O'Connor and county board chairman Tim Murphy were held to ensure that the prospect remains in Ireland.
Can confirm that teenage phenom David Clifford will be remaining in @Kerry_Official in 2018. Story in Friday’s @ExaminerSport.
— Tony Leen (@tonyleen) October 5, 2017
Last month, Clifford starred in the All-Ireland minor final against Derry, scoring 4-4 as he won his second minor medal. It was also Kerry's fourth consecutive minor title.
Speculation regarding Clifford's future and a possible move to Australia has been rumbling for more than a year. There were reports of AFL scouts being spotted in the stands at Kerry minor games - not surprising considering that Clifford is the most exciting talent to emerge from the Kingdom in years.
It appears that for the immediate future at least, the Fossa man will remain in Ireland. However, it is said that an AFL move in the future is considered a possibility. Given that he is just 18, the option would still be open to him over the coming years.
There have already been calls in Kerry for Clifford to make an immediate progression from minor to senior football. According to today's Examiner, that is the player's ambition.
Photo by Piaras Ó Mídheach/Sportsfile
