Tottenham Hotspur youngster Alfie Devine will "go all the way" after netting his maiden senior goal in Spurs' FA Cup third round victory over non-league side Marine on Sunday afternoon at Rossett Park.
That is according to Wigan Athletic academy manager Gregor Rioch, who quickly learned what a talented young player Devine is during their time together at the League One club.
With Spurs four goals to the good by half time, Jose Mourinho - the Spurs head coach - opted to make two changes at half time, bringing on Japhet Tanganga and Devine in place of Toby Alderweireld and Moussa Sissoko.
And the Portuguese chief's decision to hand Devine his Spurs debut paid off, as the 16-year-old buried a low shot past Marine goalkeeper Bayleigh Passant on the hour mark.
It was a moment to remember for the youngster, as he was quickly mobbed by the likes of Lucas Moura and hat-trick hero Carlos Vinicius.
"I feel extremely proud," Rioch told the Daily Mirror. "On our club academy WhatsApp group we'd already been messaging about him being in the squad prior to the game.
"Him becoming the youngest Spurs player is an unbelievable achievement in itself but to get his goal and become the youngest ever scorer is a great landmark and he'll go down in the record books."
To have scored his first senior goal at the age of just 16-years-old, as well as having done it on one of the most famous weekend's on the football calendar, is a huge achievement for Devine. However, he has had to work hard for that moment having had to suffer the setback and disappointment of being released by Liverpool in the past.
Rioch continued: "Liverpool are a wonderful academy and it's certainly no disgrace to be released by them.
"He had quite a moderate start with us but really came into his own at U14 and U15 level and grew into the environment. Sometimes it takes a while to get over the disappointment of being released."
However, after making impressive strides at Wigan, he caught the eye of Tottenham last summer, joining the north London club back in July.
Though Devine is only in the early stages of his career, Rioch is already tipping the former Latics midfielder to reach the very top, insisting "there is no limits what he can achieve."
"He's got his own unique style," added Rioch. "He's got the most incredible attitude, and a real drive and desire to be a professional footballer and to have a long-term career.
"He's easily coachable and comes from a great family with fantastic parents and grandparents.
"When you've got all those credentials it gives you a really good platform to help you grow.
"He can do all sorts, and can play as a holding midfielder or drive forward without the ball. He uses the ball really well, and he's extremely competitive.
"There is no limits on what he can achieve. You can see how highly thought of he is by his teammates. He should gain Premier League status on a regular basis and maybe more. He'll go all the way.
"I've worked with internationals like James Maddison and Callum Wilson and I can certainly see Devine becoming a full international one day too.
"Alfie's in great hands at a club with a great reputation of developing footballers."
