Kevin van Veen admits he was thrilled to see Dean Cornelius open his account for Motherwell as he praised the youngster for a "striker's finish" in the win over St Johnstone.
The Dutchman netted the clincher in Saturday's 2-0 win over Saints after watching man of the match Cornelius hit a sweet half-volley to break the deadlock.
It was a dream come true for the 20-year-old, who grew up cheering on his side from the Well Bois section in the John Hunter stand and in 2018 joined the club from Hibs.
Saturday's strike was his first goal on just his second start this season and van Veen was delighted to see him take his shirt home as a memento of the occasion, just as he did when he netted his first senior strike in his homeland.
Van Veen said: "He’s a Well Boi, as they call it. He’s such a good lad, always positive. I’m so happy he scored because he deserves it.
"It was like a striker’s finish, into the side-netting.
"For a young lad it’s tough to push into the first team but he’s got growth in him. He can go far. He’s got a lot of ability and you can see he doesn’t look out of place.
"It was a big moment for him. He has grown up watching the team and his whole family watch every game.
"It was very important that we all made him feel a little bit special. He had a big smile on his face in the dressing room.
"I’m 30 years old but I remember my first goal. It was against De Graafschap and it was probably one of my best goals. It was a special moment.
"You never forget it and you have to keep the shirt.
"Dean took his shirt home and he deserved his man of the match award.”
Van Veen's effort - his fifth goal of the season - helped Motherwell move up to fourth in the Scottish Premiership in time for Christmas.
They lead Dundee United by three points ahead of a string of festive fixtures against sides in the bottom six, with Livingston up first on Boxing Day, followed by trips to Ross County and St Mirren on December 29 and January 2, respectively.
And although their lofty position may allow some Fir Park fans to start dreaming of Europe, the 30-year-old striker isn't getting carried away.
He said: “We take it game by game, but we have a lot of confidence.
"We are all together on and off the pitch, so hopefully, yes [they can seal a European place].
"Playing in Europe was not really the reason I came here. Motherwell is an amazing club.
"I’m not going to lie, I’m really enjoying it. Everyone makes you welcome and does everything for you and for each other.
"I’ve zero regrets coming here.”
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