I’M OBA JOYED

MICHAEL OBAFEMI has no intention of slowing down now he’s achieved his lifelong dream.

The Southampton teenager is feeling on Cloud Nine after notching his first-ever top-flight goal in last weekend’s 3-1 win at Huddersfield.

The strike has capped a memorable 2018 for the Irish-born teenager, who has broke into the first team and won his first international cap.

His debut against Tottenham in January saw him become the second-youngest player to make a Premier League appearance in Saints’ history, behind Luke Shaw.

Now the 18-year-old has gone on to become the youngest Irishman to ever score in the Premier League, following his substitute appearance at the John Smith’s Stadium.

Obafemi will be hoping to follow this up with his second when Saints host West Ham tonight (KO 7.45pm), without suspended midfielder Pierre-emile Hojbjerg, but still looking to make it three wins on the bounce.

But whatever happens, Obafemi (above) insists he is living the dream and wants it to continue for a long time to come.

He said: “I’m lost for words. I’m delighted.

“I found out I’m the youngest Premier League goalscorer in Southampton’s history, and I’m thankful to Nathan Redmond for giving me the assist. I think this is just the beginning of my career.

“I got my first goal finally – and I hope I can get some more.

“It’s always been a dream since a little kid. I’m not going to lie, I never thought at the start of 2018 I’d be in this position.

“I made my debut at the start of the year, against Tottenham in January, and I’ve come a long way.

“But there’s still further to go and I hope that we get out of the situation that we’re in.” Obafemi insists new boss Ralph Hasenhuttl (top) has made the squad believe in themselves after replacing Mark Hughes and leading the club out of the relegation zone.

He added: “It’s good that the new manager is bringing through youngsters and giving us minutes.

“We’ve won two on the bounce and it feels as if there’s a real sense of togetherness now.”