McKenna to debut against AFL Tigers

A week after American Jason Holmes stole the show with an AFL debut for St Kilda, Essendon will give Northern Irish recruit Conor McKenna his first game.

Essendon will hand an AFL debut to Northern Irish teenager Conor McKenna against Richmond on Saturday.

The gaelic footballer was recruited from County Tyrone in Northern Ireland last year and has spent the year transitioning from the Irish code to the Australian game.

The 19-year-old has played in the forward line for Essendon's VFL side this year, kicking 18 goals.

McKenna told Essendon's website that he was delighted to get a senior role.

"The structure of the game is just hard to get used to but hopefully I'll get it right now and come Saturday it'll come to plan."

Essendon Development Coach Paul Corrigan said McKenna's selection was a reward for his diligence.

"He does more sessions than anyone else, he never misses a beat," he said.

McKenna's parents are flying out from Europe for the Saturday night match at the MCG.