Michael Obafemi joked he had transformed from Son Heung-min into Harry Kane as he marked his first start in the Republic of Ireland with a glittering show.
The 21-year-old Swansea striker, who was awaiting his second 42 months after his first cap, scored for Troy Parrott before striking himself from 30 yards in the 3-0 Nations League win in Dublin on Saturday night, to announce yourself in style.
Speaking to reporters later, it was suggested he and Parrott had developed a relationship similar to that of the latter’s club-mates Son and Kane, with the former Southampton frontman sinking low to deliver the perfect through ball to his attacking partner.
Obafemi said: “If I want to be a top player, I have to develop my game and not just fall behind one-dimensionally.
“I felt like I kind of did that this season, fell short and got the ball. Of course we saw it today when I got the assist and I’m happy with that.”
When asked about the Kane and Son comparison, he said, “Kind of, yeah,” before adding, “And then in the second half, I became Harry Kane!”
Obafemi gave his shot in place of the rested Callum Robinson and grabbed it with both hands. His skillful, sliced pass allowed Parrott to put Ireland 2-0 up after Alan Browne’s opener.
However, it was his searing long shot after the break that sealed victory – Ireland’s first in the competition in 13 attempts – and really caught the eye.
He said: “I really couldn’t ask for a better start, a goal, an assist and a 3-0 win. It is wonderful.
“Troy played it for me, it opened up and I was like, ‘Hit it.’ Obviously it just flew into the top corner.”
Obafemi’s return to the national team – he was first capped by Martin O’Neill in November 2018 – came after a difficult start in south Wales following his move last summer and a realization he needed to improve his game.
He said: “It just clicked in my brain. If I really want to be a world-class striker and a top player, I really need to start now.”
Ireland’s victory was their first in a home game since June 2019 and perhaps their most significant – Scotland are ranked eight places higher by FIFA – since beating Bosnia and Herzegovina in a Euro 2016 play-off in November 2015.
They now meet Ukraine in Lodz, Poland on Tuesday and are desperate to avenge Wednesday’s 1-0 defeat in Dublin despite Obafemi being doubtful with a groin injury, John Egan struggling with an ankle problem and Shane Duffy suspended.
Still, goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher is hoping to build on Scotland’s win.
Kelleher said: “It’s important. If we get another win we’ll be right back in the group so Tuesday is a big game for us and hopefully we can win again.
“They were very good here, they will be good there too. We’ve watched their games and we’ve seen their team, their team, play. We will be more than ready for them.”
Comments are closed.