Irish Premiership side hand first-team debut to 14-year-old goalkeeper
Irish Premiership side Glenavon FC gave a senior debut to 14-year-old goalkeeper Conner Byrne, .
The Northern Ireland club took on Portadown on Monday night in the Mid Ulster Cup semi-final, and the young debutant helped his side to a 2-1 win.
The club's academy head, Ryan Prentice, felt the young shot-stopper was more than capable of making the step up to the senior ranks.
"I think it's fantastic for Conner as a player to play in the first team and credit should be given to the manager for taking the chance on youth, as it doesn't always happen at other clubs," Prentice told BBC News.
Teenage dream.
— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) November 29, 2017
This goalkeeper has made his first team debut at the age of 14!https://t.co/eM97b7Zr1V pic.twitter.com/27LMkx4btR
"He's tall, brave and dedicated to training and works very hard with the coaches."
Prentice said first team manager Gary Hamilton had been aware of Byrne for a season and a half and that he had already been training with the senior squad for a few months before his debut.
He also added that it was important that the club doesn't get carried away with Byrne's prospects.
"You don't want to speculate at this stage, it's easy to get ahead of yourself," said Prentice.
"If he continues to work hard, it would be nice if he could make a living out of football."
Certainly a name to keep an eye on.
A big shout out to Conner Byrne at 14 years old so had a solid game.
— Glenavon FC (@Glenavon_FC) November 27, 2017
Thanks to those who travelled this evening. #GHBAWA
