Jimmy Geoghegan: Lynch capable of lighting up a dreary afternoon

Those of us of a certain vintage and who have even a passing interest in English soccer will remember Paddy Crerand, the no-nonsence Scotsman who turned out regularly for Manchester United.

Paddy, who could have played for Ireland, was signed by Matt Busby from Celtic and became a member of the United side that reached the top of the mountain when they won the European Cup in 1968 along with the likes of Tony Dunne, Shay Brennan, Bobby Charlton and, of course, Georgie Best.

Paddy coined a great saying when it come to describing what Best did to opposition defenders with his bobbing, weaving and jinking. He said he gave them "twisted blood."

I have often thought of that saying, almost anytime I've seen Trim's Aaron Lynch play, especially last year as the team were on their way to winning the Meath IFC. With his jinking runs the Trim player, who ironically is a Man Utd fan, had the same kind of effect on opposition defences as a fox might have in a crowded henhouse. Consternation.

He continued to be one of Trim's marquee players as the Reds marched to a Leinster Club IFC title scoring 1-7 in the victory over Clara in the final the other week. Still at the foothills of his career Lynch however has yet to make his presence felt on the Meath senior football panel - but surely he deserves his chance on the big stage.

He is an richly talented young player and right now we need all hands on deck to help the county climb up the rankings. Maybe the Meath management feel he is not quite ready, that he has yet to bulk up a little; get more experience. Young he might be, but there is some merit in the old saying: "If they are good enough they are old enough."

Lynch will invariably come in for "special attention" from opponents as he moves through his career and it's up to referees to protect players like him. He is one of those who can add sparkle to slow-moving contest; light up a dreary afternoon.