Michael Noonan etched his name in history as he became the youngest goalscorer in European club competition. At just 16 years and 197 days old, the Shamrock Rovers forward netted a crucial goal in their UEFA Europa Conference League play-off clash against Molde, surpassing Romelu Lukaku’s long-standing record.
Noonan’s match-winning strike secured a 1-0 victory for the Irish club in the first leg of the tie, marking a significant milestone in both his career and Shamrock Rovers’ European journey.
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Youngest Goalscorer in Conference League History
Noonan’s remarkable goal came just before the hour mark when he expertly converted Dylan Watts’ cross. His finish not only secured a memorable debut for the Irish teenager but also saw him claim the title of the youngest goalscorer in Conference League history.
The previous record belonged to Hearts’ James Wilson, who scored at 17 years and 288 days against Petrocub in December. Noonan also became the second youngest scorer in UEFA club competition, behind former Aston Villa and Anderlecht midfielder Nii Lamptey, who found the net at 16 years and 100 days in the UEFA Cup.
Key Moment in Shamrock Rovers’ Historic Campaign
Facing Norwegian giants Molde, Shamrock Rovers found themselves in a favorable position when Valdemar Lund was sent off for a dangerous challenge on Noonan. With a numerical advantage, the teenager seized his opportunity, guiding his team to an important win.
The victory further cemented Shamrock Rovers’ reputation as the first League of Ireland club to reach the knockout stages of a major European tournament. They now head into the second leg with confidence, aiming to secure a place in the last 16.
Should they advance, they will meet either Cercle Brugge or Legia Warsaw in the next round.
Noonan’s Rapid Rise in Irish Football
Noonan’s rise has been nothing short of extraordinary. The Republic of Ireland U-17 international only joined Shamrock Rovers last month from St Patrick’s Athletic. Before that, he had already made headlines, becoming the youngest-ever starter for St Patrick’s at just 15 years and nine months.
His talent has not gone unnoticed, with reports linking him to Premier League champions Manchester City. However, Rovers boss Stephen Bradley downplayed speculation surrounding Noonan’s future, stating:
“You look at most players when there’s talk of teams being after them, it’s all irrelevant in the bigger picture. When you get to know Michael, he’s just focused on being better and improving.”
The Road Ahead for Shamrock Rovers and Noonan
With the second leg against Molde looming, Noonan and Shamrock Rovers will be looking to make further history. A victory would propel them deeper into European competition, adding another chapter to their remarkable journey.
Domestically, Rovers are set to kick off their League of Ireland campaign against Bohemians in front of a packed Aviva Stadium in Dublin. The fixture promises to be another test for the young striker as he continues his meteoric rise.
On the same night Noonan made history, Ajax’s Jorthy Mokio also became the third 16-year-old to score in the Europa League. However, it was Noonan’s heroics that grabbed the spotlight, securing his place in the record books and potentially paving the way for a bright future in European football.
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FAQs
Who is Michael Noonan?
Michael Noonan is a 16-year-old Republic of Ireland U-17 international who plays for Shamrock Rovers. He recently became the youngest goalscorer in European club competition history.
How old was Michael Noonan when he broke the record?
Noonan was 16 years and 197 days old when he scored against Molde in the UEFA Europa Conference League play-off.
Whose record did Michael Noonan break?
Noonan surpassed Romelu Lukaku’s record as the youngest goalscorer in European club competition history. He also took the Conference League record from James Wilson.
Which club did Michael Noonan play for before Shamrock Rovers?
Before joining Shamrock Rovers, Noonan played for St Patrick’s Athletic, where he became their youngest-ever starter at 15 years and nine months.
What is next for Shamrock Rovers in the UEFA Europa Conference League?
Shamrock Rovers will face Molde in the second leg, with the winner advancing to the last 16 to play either Cercle Brugge or Legia Warsaw.
