With Martin O'Neill rushing to get the youngster tied down to playing for Ireland, 18-year-old Michael Obafemi is suddenly the next great hope for Irish football.
Obafemi was born in Dublin and raised in London, and has been in Ireland's underage set up since U19 level and now may get his chance with the senior squad having been called up for the upcoming games against Northern Ireland and Denmark.
His club manager at Southampton, Mark Hughes, gave the striker 15 minutes at the end of Southampton's 6-1 drubbing to Man City at the weekend, and was impressed with his contribution. Obafemi created a goalscoring chance for Shane Long during his brief cameo, though his compatriot could only find the side netting.
Speaking to the club's website, Hughes spoke positively about Obafemi's performance at the weekend, stating that he could be the player to give the Saints some spark in attack:
It was something I wanted to have a look at. Clearly at the top end of the pitch we've been struggling for someone to give us a spark to set us off to score more goals and create more chances.
He’s got unbelievable pace. It was important that I had a look at him in the Premier League environment because he could very well be someone we can use.
Hughes went on to say that Obafemi coming on as an impact sub could be something that he utilises more in the Premier League this season:
I was pleased with what he did, he didn’t look phased by the stage he was on so that bodes well as something we can work on. We’ll see how he progresses. He’s been playing well in the Under-23s and getting goals so he’s deserved his chance.
Southampton currently are winless in their last six games in the PL, only scoring once in that time with Danny Ing's penalty against City.
Pressure is mounting on Hughes after a run that has seen them drop to the 16th in the table, with seven points from 11 games.
