Why people are talking about Ireland's Mason Melia

Last night, the Ireland U17s beat Hungary 4-2 to advance to the quarter-finals of the U17 European Championships. Ireland won the game thanks to braces from Luke Kehir and Mason Melia.

Melia, in particular, has had a whirlwind month playing football for club and country. A League of Ireland debut and a goal in the same game this month, plus two more goals for his country, have started to make people sit up and notice his talents.

Well this makes us feel old! Mason Melia was born on September 22nd 2007 & is only in third year in school, he’ll sit his Junior Cert next month!

Mason became our youngest ever LOI player on Friday night, aged 15 years & 232 days, coming on in the 69th minute to make his debut pic.twitter.com/SvPFVZ4MrK

— St Patrick's Athletic FC (@stpatsfc) May 14, 2023

For people who didn't know, Melia is 15 years old and plays for St. Patrick's Athletic in Ireland's top footballing division. Melia, back in January, scored in their Leinster Senior Cup defeat to Wexford, and also played a pivotal role in Ireland's U-16 Victory Shield triumph last November.

Months later, the underage Ireland star would then go onto make his competitive debut for Pat's against Drogheda United and became the club's youngest league debutant at 15 years & 232 day. He became the third youngest debutant in league history - behind Brighton's Evan Ferguson, who made his also debut at 14 for another LOI side, Bohemians, in 2019.

What makes it even more exceptional is the teenager hasn't even sat his Junior Cert yet.

His Pat's manager, speaking after his debut this month, described the teen as an "exceptional" player.

Speaking to the Irish Independent this month, Pats boss Jon Daly said, "He's been exceptional for Sean O'Connor's team at U-19s. When you are thinking 'I need a goal,' I saw him score numerous goals for the U-19s, I saw him score against Wexford in the Leinster Senior Cup. I know he can finish, and I know his movement is good."

It's not just on the club scene that the Wicklow native is starting to make a name for himself. A prolific scorer for Ireland since U15 level, his performances for the current Ireland U-17 side have helped them reach this year's Euros. A hat-trick for Ireland's U-17 side in a 3-0 win against Ukraine also helped Colin O'Brien's side qualify.

Two more goals against Hungary on Thursday have only seen more attention come his way.

"I was just looking for my goals, and I knew they were there. As soon as I got the first one, it was the best feeling I've ever felt. When the second went in, it was just amazing," said Melia on Thursday after his brace.

It may be the case that Ireland might have another gem on their hands, but it is too early to tell. However, clubs in England have started to circle for his services already, according to reports.

According to a report from football outlet Football Insider, Premiership club Liverpool has 'registered an interest' in signing the Ireland forward.

Melia and Ireland will once again be in Euros action this coming Saturday. The opponent and venue have not been declared yet

FELCSÚT, HUNGARY - MAY 23: Luke Kehir of Republic of Ireland celebrates with teammates Mason Melia, centre, and Daniel McGrath. (Photo by Ben McShane - Sportsfile/UEFA via Getty Images)