The first round of the League Cup kicked off last night over in England and the matches provided a glimpse of the top young Irish talent in English football. There were some great performances - one player became the youngest man to ever captain his club, another was being called the next Denis Irwin. Here's our round-up of some of the more interesting performance last night
Nathan Collins, Stoke City
It was a huge night for the young Leixlip man who captained Stoke City in their 1-0 win over Wigan. Collins is the youngest player to ever captain Stoke.Coach Nathan Jones heaped praise upon him after the match. "He is captain material, real captain material, and he will go on to be the captain of this football club".
Collins sounded humbled by the experience, but not intimidated when speaking to the Stoke Sentinel.
I've captained the 23s and 18s before and Ireland and it's part of my game. I'm not going to let it change me if I wear the armband. I'm just going to play the way I play every game.
"It's an honour, the biggest I've ever had in my career. Stoke is such a massive club and it's such an honour. I'm delighted."
Dara O'Shea, West Brom
The 20-year-old made his eagerly anticipated debut for West Brom last night in their match against Millwall.
A debut for young Irishman @dara_oshea_ at the heart of our defence. All the best, Dara! 🇮🇪👊🏼#CarabaoCup | #WBA pic.twitter.com/aTiAxGZLmN
— West Bromwich Albion (@WBA) August 13, 2019
The Birmingham Mail gave him a 6 for his performance and seemed quite optimistic for O'Shea's future
'He’s benefited from a season in League Two with Exeter though - you could tell. Here he won a number of challenges and demonstrated his love of crunching tackle.'
Ryan Manning, QPR
Manning started for QPR and scored a 85th minute penalty off the post that sent the game to added time. Manning also converted his kick during the penalties, as QPR beat Bristol.
Wonderfully fun evening down at the Rangers - cracking game and a penalty shootout win. Ryan Manning the new Denis Irwin!
— Ian McCullough (@IanMac08) August 13, 2019
It was a routine 4-0 win for PNE against Bradford last night, but Alan Browne started at right back.
Jayson Molumby, Millwall
The Brighton player secured a loan to the Den before transfer window closed. He started Millwall's win and played 64 minutes. Millwall fans seemed especially happy with his performance and are calling for him to be thrust into the Millwall first team.
GOOD MORNING 🦁Over the moon for TB to finally get off the mark!! So many positives to take from last night Jayson Molumby especially🔥. I will do my best to get a video out later #millwall #lionstv #bringonthebradshaw pic.twitter.com/nVmsFLpKDA
— Lions Tv (@tv_lions) August 14, 2019
Molumby could be what we’re looking for in midfield. Wants to come short and take the ball off the centre halves to start playing some decent football.
— jacktk (@Jacktk) August 13, 2019
Jason Knight, Derby County
18-year-old Jason Knight was given the start by Cocu last night for Derby, and he blew fans away with his performance. Derby beat Scunthorpe 1-0 and Knight was a consensus man of the match,
Strong 2nd half, moving the ball forward with purpose with Jason Knight breaking the lines of Scunthorpe back four at will. Buchanan and Lowe very good offensively and defensively tonight, great finish from the young left back but my man of the match Jason Knight 🐏🐏🐏..
— Shane Nicholson (@Shinner144) August 13, 2019
Jason Knight is a serious player
— Ryan O'Meara (@_omeara_r) August 13, 2019
Jason Knight is the best player on the pitch
— Alfie Patterson (@alfie_patto) August 13, 2019
Padraig Amond, Newport County
OK Amond isn't exactly young, but we thought we'd include his performance. It was another mad night for Newport County, who beat Gillingham in a match that featured four penalties and a penalty shoot-out. Amond scored a very late penalty to send the match to added time before converting his penalty kick in the penalties as Newport won the match. They play West Ham in the next round.
90+2' GOOOOOAAAAAAL COUNTY! Padraig Amond levels things up from the spot - County are level! Fantastic finish.#GFC 2 - 2 #NCAFC#OurJourneyContinues pic.twitter.com/AVEfHrfMpS
— Newport County AFC (@NewportCounty) August 13, 2019
