"It was a daunting way for Darryl to start, playing away in front of 31,000 people but he coped with it so well." the former Northern Ireland international told the Official Club Website.
"It wasn't an easy time for him to go on either with us 2-0 down but he got straight into the match and he deserves a lot of credit for the way he conducted himself.
"I have seen Darryl play a few times for the reserves lately and he has been exceptional. He has adjusted to training with the first-team and it's great to see a young, local lad come through and I'm sure he has a bright future in front of him."