17-year-old Irish striker Michael Obafemi hails 'dream come true' Premier League debut

Republic of Ireland under-19 international Michael Abofemi reflected on a 'dream come true' as he made his senior debut for Southampton as a late sub in Sunday's 1-1 Premier League draw with Tottenham Hotspur.

The 17-year-old began the first player born in the 21^st century to appear in the league for the Saints when he replaced Manolo Gabbiadini with eight minutes to play.

The Dublin-born, London-raised striker became the second Irish teenager to take the field in the Premier League this season after West Ham United's Declan Rice.

And the teenager admitted he had little inkling that he'd be involved in the first team when he reported for training on Saturday morning.

“I came in yesterday thinking that I would be playing for the under-18s,” Obafemi told the Saints' official website.

“The manager stopped me and said that I would be training instead and would maybe be in the first-team squad; it was confirmed later on in the afternoon!

“It’s a special feeling. I’ve dreamed of it since I was a kid. I can’t stop here. This is just the beginning of what I hope is my career.”

It could have been an even more special day for the Dublin-born striker as he was presented with a late chance to win it, but he scuffed at his shot.

Manager Mauricio Pellegrino was forced to utilise Obafemi as his two regular strikers, Shane Long and Charlie Austin, were forced to miss the match through illness.

And one Irishman's misfortune was another's gain as Obafemi – who grew up in London before joining the Saints academy as a -year-old – got a late nod from the bench.

Pellegrino: “He’s a really fast player and his speed is his most important quality.

“He is also a good finisher, and I observed that their back four was really high and he could have some chances.

“He was there and he was really close, but it’s still the beginning of his career and he has to grow a lot.

“To us, we have had a good history with our home-grown players and Michael is one more.”

Obafemi is part of Tom Mohan's under-19 side that breezed through the first stage of qualifying for the European Championships this year, topping a group containing Serbia, Cyprus and Azerbaijan.