As long as Mason Melia works hard and keeps his feet on the ground, the Ireland Under-17s two-goal hero has a bright future in the game.
That's the opinion of newly appointed St Patrick’s Athletic manager Jon Daly, who was delighted to see Colin O’Brien’s young side bounce back from the opening defeat to Poland to beat Wales and Hungary to secure a spot in the quarter-finals of the European championships.
The Inchicore club is well represented in the national Under-17s squad with a trio of players away at the tournament in Hungary, with striker Melia involved alongside midfield duo Luke Kehir and Rhys Bartley.
Melia and Kehir both bagged a brace in the decisive 4-2 victory over the hosts, and Daly said it was great for the club to see their players making such an impact.
"It’s very pleasing for the 17s," said Daly, speaking to RTE Sport. "They obviously had a slow start to the campaign and bounced back with two solid wins.
"And it’s great for the club to have the goalscorers yesterday."
Fifteen-year-old Melia became the youngest player ever to make a league appearance for St Pat’s in a recent game against Drogheda, and Daly believes that the club’s contingent can progress their career in the League of Ireland, and will be utilised whenever they are ready to play.
"Mason is a key player, and one that was on the bench previously in our team," said Daly.
"I put him on against Drogheda when we were trying to win the game and he came on and made an impact.
"If they keep their feet on the ground and keep working hard as they do, they have got a great chance of having a good career in the game. When they are ready, we are more than comfortable to put them in and give them opportunities.
"Young players can get a bit ahead of themselves
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