JAMIE McDonagh might share a middle name with his Manchester United idol Eric Cantona — but the modest Morton trialist insists that is where the parallels end.

The Northern Irishman comes from a family of Red Devils fans and was christened Jamie-Dean Cantona McDonagh by his parents.

But he insists he would never dare compare himself to the French forward, even if just in terms of a simple similarity in playing style.

McDonagh told the Tele: “My middle name is Cantona, yeah. My dad is a big Manchester United fan and he managed to influence my mum.

“At my different clubs the manager would maybe get my details and read it out and the lads wouldn’t believe it. I would have to explain it is actually true.

“Cantona was a great player; he was probably one of my idols. I didn’t see him growing up but I’ve watched a lot of clips and videos of him and the goals he scored were unbelievable.

“Do I have any stylistic similarities? No, I think he is in a different category and wouldn’t compare myself to Cantona!”

When asked what type of player he is, the 20-year-old explained: “I am a striker, but I like to run beyond defenders and get in behind. I can also play out wide and dribble at people.

“I started off as a right winger at Sheffield United but was then moved into striker. 

“I learned my trade there and have played there for the last two years. I think that’s my best position now.”