New Premier League Andrew Moran of Ireland says it was an "unbelievable" feeling to make his Premier League debut.
The versatile midfielder made his top flight debut during Brighton's 4-1 win over Everton on Tuesday. He joined from Bray Wanderers in the summer of 2020 and after impressing in the Sussex side's academy, he made his first team debut in a 2-0 win at Cardiff City in the Carabao Cup in August 2021.
He becomes the latest Irish star to play in the Premier League for Brighton after Aaron Connolly, Shane Duffy and Evan Ferguson, who has scored two goals in his last couple of games.
READ MORE: Brighton's Irish contingent grows as Seagulls swoop for Evan Ferguson's former Bohemians teammate
The 19-year-old has been involved in a number of top-flight matchday squads but that first-team breakthrough in the English top-flight still eluded him. That is no longer the case, however, after the Irishman came off the bench at Goodison Park in the 79th minute.
After the match, an overjoyed Moran spoke to Sussex Live and tried to put into words how much this momentous occasion meant to him. He even admitted to scarcely believing head coach Roberto De Zerbi had asked him to come on, when he was sitting next to Adam Lallana and Leandro Trossard, among others.
"I don't think it's really sunk in, I was just buzzing after I got the shout to come on from the gaffer. Usually, you find out the day before if you are going to play. I have been in a few [Premier League matchday] squads now but I didn't really expect to come on," said Moran
Moran paid tribute to De Zerbi for giving him this chance but also improving facets of his game. The teenager is training regularly with the first-team and it seems he is taking on board some salient advice from the Italian.
"It's been really good. You learn so much every day. He [De Zerbi] is so passionate about football, he has his way of playing and we know if we follow his approach it will bring us success," he added.
"He sees the little details as well, such as when you're in or out of possession, where you should be, and always giving someone an angle for the person on the ball, and you will say, 'Why didn't I think of that before?' Learning from him and trying to bring those tips into your game every day is so helpful.
The youngster, who was a reported target for Chelsea and Manchester United in the past, will hope to get more game time for the first-team this weekend when Brighton take on Middlesbrough in the FA Cup third round.
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