Christopher all set for new life in Dallas

And it could see him secure an English Premiership career or an appearance in an All-Ireland Gaelic Football final.

Young Chris said farewell to his team-mates at the Sarsfields club last Saturday night and signed off with three points for the Hoops in their Championship victory over Keady.

For an initial two years, Chris will be studying at Tyler Junior College in Dallas where, as part of his studies, he will be completing a goalkeeping scholarship.

Balancing what has been a successful soccer and gaelic career, Chris came through the ranks with youth teams at Sunnyside before featuring with Glenavon Reserves last season. He had two campaigns with the County Armagh team in the Northern Ireland Milk Cup at U-15 and U-17 levels.

On the gaelic scene, Christopher, like his older brother Paul, came through the ranks at Sarsfields and his class and adaptability saw him cover as a keeper on occasions for the ‘Trasna side but Chris was destined to be a top class half-back according to Sarsfields Manager Patsy Donnelly.

He said: “We had big plans for Christopher at the Sarsfields. He is a talented all-round sportsman who has a lot of class. We wish him every success at university in the States.”

Young McGaughey was also a key player on the St. Michael’s school team who won this year’s McClarnon Cup.

Speaking to the ‘Mail’, Christopher said: “I was really looking forward to playing for the Sarsfields last Saturday night, I couldn’t wait to get on and it was great to score the points.

“I will miss all the boys and the club have been great over the years. I’ll be waiting to hear the result of the semi-final when I’m in America.”

Glenavon boss Marty Quinn, who has been having a few goalkeeping problems, could well have needed young McGaughey to fill in at senior level for the Mourneview club.

But for the next four years the Lurgan lad will be fine-tuning his goalkeeping skills in the USA, a nation who are competing with the best on the international stage.

At the end of his tenure, Chris could again pull on the blue of Glenavon or the Armagh county jersey, but he is certainly not ruling out the possibility of a Sarsfields return sooner than expected.

“Mum has hinted that she might pay for a flight if the Sarsfields reach the final. I might just hold her to that,” he said.