Jayson Molumby made his senior debut for Brighton on Tuesday evening as Chris Hughton made 11 changes to his side for the League Cup game against Barnet.
18-year-old Molumby, who is from Cappoquin, Waterford, started in midfield alongside Rohan Ince as Brighton won 1-0.
After a scoreless first half, Molumby was one the instigators for his side's winner which came nine minutes after the break. Molumby, wearing the number 49 jersey, played in left-back Liam Rosenior. The ball eventually ended up in the net via James Tilley.
After the game, Hughton said that he has been delighted with Molumby's display in midfield.
I was really delighted with him in midfield. It was his senior debut today, so really pleased for him and James Tilley too.
Local radio commentator and former Brighton player Warren Aspinall said that Molumby - who played the full 90 minutes - was one of the stars of the game from a Brighton perspective.
Warren Aspinall "Brighton will know they've been in a game tonight. Goldson & Hunemeier were excellent. Molumby was great." #BHAFC
— BBC Radio Sussex Sport (@BBCSussexSport) August 22, 2017
Fans were similarly impressed with his performance.
Enjoyed that. Molumby MOTM for me. Tilley excellent too. Mateju looks like a decent signing. #bhafc
— Simon Tipple 💙 (@SimonTipple) August 22, 2017
Man of the match display from @jay_molumby15 calm and controlled throughout #BHAFC
— Paul (@rookie7) August 22, 2017
Quality, assured display tonight from @jay_molumby15 Looked the best player on the pitch. Not bad for an 18 year old. #bhafc pic.twitter.com/Gn58rE4Awg
— BennettsFieldBunny (@BennettsField) August 22, 2017
Molumby's debut comes a year after signing his first professional contract with Brighton.
17-year-old Galwegian Aaron Connolly also made his Brighton debut last night, coming off the bench for a second half cameo. Richie Towell also started the game. Though, he failed the have an impact.
