Republic of Ireland manager Mick McCarthy has hinted that Southampton forward Michael Obafemi could have a bright future with his national side.
The 18-year-old scored his first Premier League goal in the 3-1 win over Huddersfield on Saturday, and made his debut for his country in Martin O’Neill’s final game in charge.
Speaking on Sky Sports’ Goals on Sunday (Sky Sports Premier League, Sunday December 23rd, 11.30am), current boss McCarthy suggested that he is interested in including him in his plans.
He said: “I’m delighted. I’m going to go and watch him over Christmas.
“Martin played him on his last game and there was bit of criticism about it and I remember saying on the TV that it might turn out that Michael Obafemi turns out to be the next Robbie Keane and we should all be lauding Martin for giving him his chance. Well here he is, playing in the Premier League and he’s scoring goals.”
Speaking of the young striker’s impressive pace, he said: “I’m never too unhappy if I’ve got people who can run, who are dead quick and who can run behind. He looks like he can stretch defences.”
OPINION
It’s been a while since the Republic of Ireland had a real breakout, exciting young talent and Michael Obefemi looks as if he could be one to look out for. At the moment he possesses raw pace and real instinct for making a nuisance of himself, but lacks the composure and precision of a top player. He is only 18, and those sills can be learned in time, and the promising thing for the Saints will be that he is getting in the positions to have an effort on goal in the first place. Aside from his goal yesterday, he saw another attempt slither agonisingly past the post, and he made really positive impact when he was introduced. This season is a massive one for the youngster, with a new manager and a relatively threadbare squad he could force his way into contention for a regular role and really set about establishing himself as a fan favourite at St. Mary’s.