Michael Obafemi made his second Premier League appearance in Southampton’s 6-1 thrashing at Manchester City and has been called up to the ROI squad.
What a week it’s been for Michael Obafemi.
The 18-year-old striker made only his second Premier League appearance for Southampton off the bench against Manchester City on Sunday afternoon and has now been rewarded with his first ever call-up to the senior Republic of Ireland squad for the upcoming fixtures against Northern Ireland and Denmark.
And, speaking to the club’s official website, Saints’ U23 coach Radhi Jaidi has admitted that he’s been blown away by Obafemi’s outstanding form over the last few months.
“I’m really pleased for Michael [Obafemi] this week, he’s made a terrific start to the season and deserves recognition,” Jaidi said of the former Arsenal and Watford youngster.
“We’ll keep chasing our overall aims, which is pushing players towards the first team.”
Obafemi scored nine times in 14 games for Southampton’s U18s last season and has made the step up to the U23s with ease in recent months, hitting the back of the net on four occasions already.
With Southampton fans worrying that they have lost their identity due to the recent dearth of academy prospects emerging onto the first-team stage, Obafemi’s rapid rise certainly gives them something to feel positive about.
And the teenager can expect to get a few more opportunities with Shane Long, Charlie Austin and Manolo Gabbiadini all struggling for goals.
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