It was a memorable evening for Oxford United youngster Gatlin O’Donkor last night as the 16-year-old became the U’s youngest ever player, coming on as an 85th-minute substitute.
To top it off, the youngster was the first to step up to take a penalty after the Football League Trophy match with Forest Green Rovers ended 1-1, and the forward sent the goalkeeper the wrong way.
At just 16 years and 55 days, the young striker beat Tyler Goodrham’s record, set against Crawley Town last November, by 43 days.
And having been dragged out of school on Monday to take part in training, O’Donkor admitted it had all been a bit surreal. Speaking to the Oxford Mail, he said: “I can’t really comprehend it, because I couldn’t imagine myself being here.
“I felt like I was going to miss. When I saw the clock I thought if this goes to penalties I’m going to take the first one.
“Last time I changed my mind and I missed. I said to myself I would go bottom left and stuck with it.”
U’s boss Karl Robinson added: “We asked who wanted the penalties and he said ‘me’ right away.
“He showed a real steely edge to him, which is quite unique for a young player.”
Although many don’t agree with the competition in its current state, it does give the youngsters and fringe players the opportunity for vital game time.
Rob Hall, Mark Sykes and Jamie Hanson all started the game, while youngster Nico Jones started in defence alongside John Mousinho. Along with O’Donkor, Leon Chambers-Parrilon also got 25 minutes having impressed in the last round.
