Exeter FA Cup goalscorer Birch has 'big future'
George Birch had made just four first-team appearances for Exeter before playing against Manchester City
- Published
Exeter City's George Birch has a "big future" after his goal against Manchester City, says manager Gary Caldwell.
The 19-year-old blasted into the top corner from outside the box for his first-ever senior goal in the 10-1 FA Cup loss.
The goal was the highlight of the game for an Exeter side that suffered a club-record equalling defeat.
It was the midfielder's first game for the Grecians since August, having spent the first half of the season on loan at National League South side Weston-super-Mare.
"I've never celebrated a goal at 9-0 down the way I celebrated that," Caldwell told BBC Radio Devon.
"But when you bring an academy player back from Weston-super-Mare, when you put him on in an environment like this, when he's never started a league game for us, and he shows the courage to drive forward at a back line and hit it with his weak foot like that, then there could be a big future for that player."
Birch's long-range effort in the 90th minute made the score 9-1
Birch was one of a number of homegrown players selected by Caldwell.
Exeter's academy has become a key part of the fan-owned club's business model as they sell their top talent in order to keep going.
City have produced some famous talent in recent years, with the likes of Ollie Watkins and Ethan Ampadu going on to play at the top level.
As well as Birch, who was a late substitute, 19-year-old Liam Oakes started the game, while Tom Dean and Sonny Cox were unused substitutes.
"I must mention Liam Oakes as well, who's another academy player, who I thought was outstanding in the game," added Caldwell.
"He was playing in a position that's not ideal for him, it's not his best position.
"But the way he stood up to the challenge, one v one defending, he kept going, he kept trying to get on the ball, and those are the behaviours that we need.
"When we have young players like that then the future is really bright."
He added: "As disappointing as the game is in terms of the result, for them to get that moment, that is what our club is all about.
"The DNA is developing our own, developing young players and giving young players opportunities.
"We did that and two of them really showed themselves off in a really positive light.
"We'll have to continue to do that through the remaining 22 league games and in the years to come."
