Unknowns’ chance to shine on the big stage

THREE talking points after the FA Cup third round weekend action:

But what resulted was an inspiring and impressive performance by a youthful Liverpool side, playing most of the game with four teenagers on the field, who in the second half ran Everton’s first team off the park.

The winning goal will remain long in the memory for Liverpool fans, with 18-year-old local lad Curtis Jones scoring an absolute screamer.

Less heralded, but no less impressive was the hat-trick from another 18-year-old, Norwich City’s Irish forward Adam Idah, who ripped Preston North End apart on only his second senior start.

Across the country, players who rarely get a chance to play on any stage bigger than the empty grounds of development and youth football, got the chance to show their ability and win the affection of fans.

Wilbraham will not be known to most fans of the Premier League and nor will Sheffield Wednesday’s 19-year-old defender Osaze Urhoghide.

Urhoghide was released at the end of last season by League One AFC Wimbledon having failed to make a single appearance in the third division but after a trial was picked up by Wednesday.

The Londoner was brought in to the side for his debut and helped the Owls keep a clean sheet in their 1-0 win upset win over Premier League Brighton & Hove Albion.

The player was interviewed after the game and the sheer joy and enthusiasm he showed after his breakthrough game was in such stark contrast to the usual dull cliches muttered by many top-flight players.