§It was a terrific day for young Irish strikers as Michael Obafemi and Ronan Curtis both continued to build on promising form for their respective clubs.
Southampton's Obafemi scored his first Premier League goal during their 3-1 victory over Huddersfield at the John Smith's Stadium. At 18 years of age, it means he becomes the youngest player from the Republic of Ireland to score a Premier League goal.
Obafemi came on as a substitute, as he and Shane Long both started from the bench. His well-taken goal came thanks to some good work out wide from Nathan Redmond. The teen pushed a ball out from under his feet before sliding the ball past Jonas Lössl and into the bottom corner.
Elsewhere, Ronan Curtis continued his remarkable form for high-flying Portsmouth as he scored his eighth goal of the season. The young Derryman helped his club overcome Sunderland with a cool finish from a tight angle as they ran out 3-1 winners. Republic of Ireland manager Mick McCarthy watched on from the stand.
📸 He's at it again! 🥳
Another great goal from @RonanCurtis1, and an even better cele 👌
🔵 3-1 🔴#Pompey pic.twitter.com/OkIQo1hAOY— Portsmouth FC (@Pompey) December 22, 2018
Republic of Ireland manager Mick McCarthy is at #Pompey today to watch Ronan Curtis
— Niall McCaughan (@niallmccaughan) December 22, 2018
Ireland's next fixture is set for March against Gibraltar, which may present Mick McCarthy with an ideal opportunity to further develop some of the young talent currently plying their trade.
