The Premier League-bound Braiden Graham is already justifying Everton’s faith with an ‘incredible’ impact off the bench during Linfield’s dramatic Northern Ireland League Cup quarter-final victory over Larne on Tuesday night.
After becoming the youngest goalscorer in Linfield’s 137-year history a few months ago, Braiden Graham doubled his tally in senior football this week. And in some style too.
The 16-year-old striker scored a stunning goal of the bench in the 118th minute against Larne, and then followed that up in the resulting penalty shoot-out at David Healy’s side secured their spot in the semi-finals of the Northern Ireland League Cup.
Everton win race to sign Linfield striker Braiden Graham
Graham, according to the Belfast Telegraph, will become an Everton player in the summer. The Toffees fought off competition from perennial gold-panners Brighton and Hove Albion.
And he will got to Goodison Park with the praise of Northern Ireland’s greatest-ever goalscorer ringing in his ears.
“I was directly behind it (Graham’s extra-time equaliser). And as soon as it fell to him, I knew (he would score),” David Healy, the country’s all-time top scorer and now the head coach of Linfield, tells the Telegraph.
“He made his debut against Dungannon months ago and people asked; ‘What does he give you?’ Well, Braiden scores goals. And that was an incredible finish for such a young lad.”
Goodison Park-bound
It’s not just Graham’s explosive finishing but his bravery which warmed Healy’s heart. The teenager stepping up and putting himself forward ahead of a tense penalty shoot-out. And justifying his self-confidence with a well-taken spot-kick.
“Braiden Graham desperately wanted to take one,” Healy smiles. “It shows (the youngsters) have belief in their ability and confidence.”
Graham is one of a number of talented youngsters who could be about to cross the Irish Sea. Sam Curtis, the PFAI Young Player of the Year, is a target for the likes of Manchester United and Manchester City. Ditto St Patricks Athletic team-mate Mason Melia.
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