16-year-old Painsley Student could break Stoke City record in FA Cup

Emre Tezgel, a student at Painsley Catholic College, could become Stoke City’s youngest ever player.

Peter Bullock has held that record for more than 60 years, aged 16 years, five months and two days old when he made his debut against Swansea in April 1958.Tezgel is younger than that by 41 days – and the England youth striker is on the bench after impressing Michael O’Neill in training – when he has been on day release from Painsley Catholic College.

O’Neill said recently: “Normally when you bring a player in at that age to be able to train with the first team it’s because he’s lightning quick. There has to be one defining asset that allows him to compete at that level. In Emre’s case it’s not really like that, I have to say, it’s more about his football ability, his football intelligence. That’s what strikes me most about Emre when I watch him train.”

Congratulations Emre!  And the very best of luck.