Stuart McKinstry made a debut to remember by scoring Leeds United's penalty shoot-out winner in a Carabao Cup third round clash against Fulham at Craven Cottage last night, two years after leaving Motherwell.
The sides were locked at 0-0 in normal time and after five penalties each there was still nothing between them, until 19-year-old McKinstry stepped up to score for Leeds and make it 6-5, with Fulham's Rodrigo Muniz's effort saved by Illan Meslier.
That sparked wild scenes from the teenager, who came through the ranks at Motherwell from the age of 10, was an unused sub in a Premiership defeat to Kilmarnock on December 26, 2018, and signed up at Elland Road the following summer.
McKinstry has made quite an impact at the Yorkshire giants, signing a professional contract in September 2019 that ran until 2022, and an extension by a year in August 2020.
He was on the bench for Leeds' 1-1 draw at Newcastle the previous Friday, but climbed off it in 75 minutes at Craven Cottage last night, replacing Crysencio Summerville.
Leeds boss Marcello Bielsa was pleased with his young star and told Sky Sports: "It was difficult for us.
"We conceded too many chances to the opponent, it was difficult for our players.
"They showed personality and character.
"[Joe] Gelhardt had missed his last two penalties and took on board the responsibility and managed to score, and McKinstry also had to take one in the most decisive moments and they showed character."
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