Hearts boss Robbie Nelson expects a “great future” for Mackenzie Kirk, son of former Northern Ireland striker Andy, after his teenage debut at the Edinburgh club this weekend.
Mackenzie made his jumbo debut as a replacement for former Cliftonville forward Liam Boyce last Saturday in a 1-1 draw with Ross District.
The 18-year-old father Andy, now 42, joined Hearts from Irish Premier League club Glentoran in 1999 and made 11 appearances for Northern Ireland.
Hearts posted on their Twitter account a picture of Andy holding McKenzie two months after his last game at the club in 2004.
After the match, Nelson said: “It was great for Mackenzie. Liam (Boyce) had problems and big games loomed.
“Did we think we were going to defend? But then we thought about winning the match.
We’ll put him in place and if anyone in this club is going to score a goal and they’re going to do that it’s Mackenzia, because he’s a goalscorer and he takes everything from nothing.
“He’s perfect for a kid and if he keeps working, I’m sure he’ll have a great future.”
Two years ago, Roger Arnott, former director of the Academy of Hearts, described Kirk Jr. as “probably one of the best artists I’ve seen in a while.”
He added, “He hits a great ball and has the ability to score anywhere, from outside and in the penalty area.”
Edinburgh-born Mackenzie has an excellent mentor Andy, who has become a fan favorite since arriving at Tynecastle from Glentoran in 1999.
He won 11 games for Northern Ireland between 2000 and 2010 and came on as a late substitute for David Hill in the 2005 World Cup qualifying match against England at Old Trafford.
McKenzie has just been called up to the Northern Ireland Under-18 team for the Spanish Cup.
Source: Belfastlive
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