Kilkenny-born Southampton midfielder Thomas O’Connor helped Southampton to the Premier League 2 Play-Off final after scoring a sensational free-kick during their 2-0 victory over Aston Villa.
The 19-year-old Ireland underage international curled a left-footed effort into the top corner to make it two after an early Will Smallbone goal. Smallbone is also an Irish U19 international.
The greatest free-kick you'll see this week... ? #saintsfc pic.twitter.com/7HDv8tFp6I
— Southampton FC (@SouthamptonFC) May 3, 2019
O'Connor, who signed a professional contract with the club in 2016 and earlier this year signed a new two-year deal, captained the side. A former Gaelic football player, the Irishman is just one of a number of young prospects currently at Southampton.
Speaking to Balls.ie recently, Irish striker Michael Obafemi said the Irish connection is obvious at the club: "It is so evident because of Shane Long, myself, loads of young ones Jon Afolabi, Kameron Ledwidge, Will Smallbone. there’s a lot of us."
