Christopher Atherton, 13, becomes UK's youngest senior footballer

History was made in Northern Ireland last night when 13-year-old Christopher Atherton made his debut for Glenavon.

The youngster came on as a substitute for the Mourneview Aces in their League Cup victory over third-tier side Dollingstown. Atherton made an instant impact by immediately setting up a goal for Matthew Snoddy.

Before Atherton’s debut at the tender age of 13 years and 329 days, the previous UK record was set in 2013 by Jordan Allan when he made his debut for Airdrie United against Livingston at age 14 and 189 days. Reuben Noble-Lazarus held the record before Allan when he came on for Barnsley at 15 years and 45 days in 2008.

Glenavon’s manager Gary Hamilton was full of praise for Atherton after the game: "He is a joy to watch and is a great kid but the work he does away from training at Glenavon, and the dedication that he has to becoming a professional footballer, is unbelievable.

"That is what separates him from a lot of the kids at the academy. He works night and day at his game, he eats the right foods and he goes to bed at the right time.

"He does everything that he can to become a better footballer and to give himself the best opportunity of becoming a professional footballer. I have been watching him for years and for a long time I've said he is the best player I've seen at his age."

Also, not to mention, his first touch of the ball tonight was an assist!

What an amazing debut!!👏🏼👏🏼

— Glenavon FC (@Glenavon_FC) September 13, 2022