Brighton & Hove Albion's teenage midfielder Jayson Molumby scored a 16 minute hat-trick for the Irish Under-19s tonight in their European Championship qualifier against Cyprus in Waterford.
Ireland beat Cyprus 5-0 thanks to Molumby's first-half hat-trick and a brace either side of the half from Southampton striker Jonathan Afolabi, but has yet to make a first team appearance for the Saints'.
18-year-old Molumby, is from Cappoquin, Waterford, and can play either central midfield or behind the striker.
Molumby made his Brighton debut last month in the first round of the League Cup when they beat League Two side Barnet 1-0. He featured again in the second round, when the ultimately lost to Bournemouth in extra time, 1-0.
Watch his 16 minute hat trick below:
Ireland U19 and @OfficialBHAFC midfielder Jayson Molumby with a cracking strike to put #IRLU19 2-0 up! #COYBIG pic.twitter.com/cdYDHya8Xk
— FAIreland (@FAIreland) October 7, 2017
3-0! Jayson Molumby does it again! #COYBIG #IRLU19 pic.twitter.com/qUj2V1mipj
— FAIreland (@FAIreland) October 7, 2017
A 16 minute hat-trick for Jayson Molumby! Fantastic stuff from the #IRLU19 captain! ⚽⚽⚽ #COYBIG pic.twitter.com/uJVLw3Mx6u
— FAIreland (@FAIreland) October 7, 2017
Molumby signed his first professional contract last year with Brighton and is highly regarded by manager Chris Hughton who rewarded him with two first team appearances so far this season.
Ireland lie in second place on four points, two points behind group leaders Serbia. They meet each other on Tuesday in Waterford's RSC at 2pm.
