Crystal Palace loaned England U19 midfielder Nya Kirby out to League One Blackpool in the January transfer window.
Blackpool manager Terry McPhillips has paid tribute to Nya Kirby after the young midfielder made his first start since arriving on loan from Crystal Palace, as reported on the club’s official website.
The Islington-born teenager is the latest player to have emerged through the ranks at Selhurst Park, having joined the Eagles from London rivals Tottenham Hotspur in 2017.
Kirby has not made a first-team appearance yet for Crystal Palace and moved to Blackpool in January to get some minutes under his belt, the Tangerines swatting off competition from Charlton Athletic and a number of Championship clubs, according to the Mail.
And the 19-year-old seized a chance to shine on his first Blackpool start on Saturday as the League One promotion chasers secured a 0-0 draw away at, ironically enough, Charlton.
“I thought he was terrific. He’s not fazed, he can beat people and he’s got a great temperament,” McPhillips told Blackpool’s website.
“He passes the ball nicely, does his defending and he’ll have a fight with a big lad, like he did when he came on last week. I like him a lot.”
A skilful midfielder, Kirby appears to have a bright future at Palace, having impressed Roy Hodgson in pre-season. He was also part of the England team that won the U17 World Cup in 2017 and has since represented his country at U19 level.
Kirby will now be hoping he can build on his bright start at Bloomfield Road.
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