Aaron Connolly has truly caught the attention of Ireland football fans and perhaps even Ireland manager Mick McCarthy after bagging an incredible brace in his first Premier League start.
The teenager made his first Premier League start for Brighton and Hove Albion against Tottenham Hotspur today, and has taken the opportunity by the scruff of the neck.
The Galway man made scored his first in the first-half with a tidy finish before scoring a cracking second goal later in the game.
Already 2-0 up, he picked up possession on the left flank, brought it into the box and cut onto his right foot before bending it into the bottom right corner to seal victory for Graham Potter's men.
Ireland manager Mick McCarthy left Connolly out of the squad to face Georgia and Switzerland, despite the Boys in Green short on attacking options with marksman David McGoldrick an injury concern.
But the high-flying teenager could yet get the call-up from McCarthy, but will have to be taken from Stephen Kenny's under-21 squad if that happens.
The goals this afternoon made Connolly the 100th Irishman to score a Premier League goal and the first teenager to score a goal for Brighton at Premier League level.
The last Irish teenager to score a brace in the Premier League was Robbie Keane in August 1999.
Here's everything you need to know about Aaron Connolly:
How old is he?
Connolly is 19, and doesn't turn twenty-years-old until 28 January next year.
Where is he from?
He's born in Oranmore, Galway and relocated to England in 2016.
Who does he play for?
Connolly is a Brighton & Hove Albion player and has been a regular fixture for the first team this season, scoring three times in seven appearances.
What's his position?
Connolly is quite versatile and has operated both as a striker and a left winger for club and country.
Early career
The youngster was one of the top performers at under-23 level in England last season with Brighton and has impressed ever since making the move across the Irish Sea in 2016.
He suffered an injury in January 2019, and returned to action on loan with Luton Town in the dying embers of the season - making two league appearances.
Before Brighton, Connolly played with Mervue United from the age of 11.
International career
The youngster has represented Ireland at U17,U19 and U21 level. Among the highlights, he scored seven goals as Ireland qualified for the 2017 European Under-17's Championships.
Connolly has been ever-present with Stephen Kenny's under-21 side in 2019, scoring in this summer's Toulon Tournament while also starring in Ireland's European Championship qualifying campaign.
Connolly is currently named in Kenny's squad for upcoming clash against Italy, but has been linked with being fast-tracked into the senior squad by Mick McCarthy.
What's his wage?
The teenager's wage is currently unknown, but he did pen a three-and-a-half year deal back in January to commit his future to the English club.
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