Teenager George Earthy was understandably absolutely thrilled to bits when making his first team debut against Freiburg in last night.
Teenager Earthy thrilled to bits
He managed about 12 minutes on the pitch after becoming one of the more exciting prospects in the academy this season.
It’s a big encouragement for those of us who have been calling for the kids to get their chances but according to the official site he is likely to be facing Brighton for the under 21s rather than being involved against Villa at the weekend.
The 19-year-old midfielder has already medals for the FA Youth Cup and the U18 Premier League South title for our all-conquering Under-18 side last season.
Now comes the breakthrough he and the rest are looking for as a late substitute in our thumping win over the Bundesliga outfit in round of 16 second leg at London Stadium.
The Irons were at their best to overturn a 1-0 deficit from the first leg and march on to a third consecutive continental quarter-final and Earthy wants much more.
“[It’s been a process from] being here from about five-years-old, working all the way up to where I am now, then training with the first team and you have to take your chances when you get them.
“I’m absolutely buzzing right now to get the chance to come on.”
He said: “When it was 3-0, I was thinking maybe another goal would give me a chance! To come on then, I’m a bit speechless at the moment.
“At 4-0 the manager told Ingsy [Danny Ings] and Kalvin [Phillips] to get ready and stripped, and I’m sitting there thinking it might not be me today. But then he turned around and said my name, and when we were waiting on the touchline he just said ‘enjoy it and go and play your stuff’.
“It’s surreal being on the pitch at London Stadium playing with all these players around me, who I’ve watched for so many years.”
