John Breen is relishing the New Year as he bids to move his three young proteges up the boxing ladder.

The highly successful coach has unbeaten flyweight Jamie Conlan in a final eliminator for the British title on January 21, Marc McCullough is aiming to return to action next month as well, while new boy Fergal McCrory will make his debut on February 4 in Bolton.

McCrory, 19, has teamed up with English manager Neil Marsh, who looks after Martin Murray.

Murray recently lost a tight decision to WBA world middleweight champion Felix Sturm.

Yesterday, Murray was in Belfast at Breen’s Gym to run his eye over Coalisland teenager McCrory who will start his boxing life as a lightweight with the strong possibility he will drop down to super-featherweight.

Breen said: “Fergal has been working in the gym for the past four weeks and, like a lot of guys from the amateurs, there is a lot to work on to turn him into a professional but he’s a good listener.

“He’s a bit raw but has good power and is hungry.

“There’s no rush with him, so it’ll be a case of some good learning fights in the New Year,” said Breen.

As for Conlan and former world title challenger Paul McCloskey, Breen is very optimistic of title glory.

“Jamie faces Paul Edwards and I expect him to win that and then go on to fight for and win the British title before the summer,” added Breen.

“Paul McCloskey should be fighting for a world title in March, we just have to see what options there are now after Amir Khan lost to Lamont Peterson.

“And I’m also hopeful that Marc McCullough will be boxing for some sort of title in 2012.

“It’s looking like an exciting year.”