St Pats took a massive result from their Conference League playoff first leg on Thursday evening, as they secured a draw to take into next week’s second leg.
The Inchicore side faced Istanbul Basaksehir in Tallaght, with the Turkish side having no shortage of European experience over the past few years.
2020 Super Lig champions, Basaksehir played in the Champions League group stages in the following season, even defeating English giants Manchester United.
It was a daunting draw for Stephen Kenny’s Pats side, though they had plenty of chances on a night where they could even have taken a famous win on the unfamiliar turf of Tallaght Stadium.
Against such experienced opposition, however, a 0-0 draw was a superb result and leaves St Pats with a chance of securing group-stage European football for the first time in next week’s return leg on Wednesday evening.
There were many impressive performances from the home side but, for many viewers, one stood tall above the rest.
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16-year-old Mason Melia puts in immense shift as St Pats hold Istanbul Basaksehir
22 August 2024; Jake Mulraney of St Patrick’s Athletic, right, consoles teammate Mason Melia after a missed chance on goal during the UEFA Europa Conference League play-off first leg match between St Patrick’s Athletic and Istanbul Basaksehir at Tallaght Stadium in Dublin. Photo by Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile
Mason Melia is a name that will be very familiar to Irish football fans, and he undoubtedly stands as one of the brightest young prospects in the country.
His exploits with St Pats in recent years have even seen him linked with a move to Manchester City, or further afield to major European clubs. It was in the colours of St Patrick’s Athletic that he once again caught the eye on Thursday night.
Remarkably still only 16 years old, Melia tormented the Basaksehir defence throughout the game and came close to scoring on several occasions.
Republic of Ireland coaching duo Heimir Hallgrímsson and John O’Shea were in the stands to take in the Conference League playoff. Though it is too soon to expect Melia to be lining out at senior level for his country, it may not be too far down the line before he enters the frame if he continues to perform at such a high level as he did on Thursday.
Though Melia would not come away with a goal, there was no questioning who was the star on the pitch as St Pats took a memorable result in Tallaght on Thursday.
Needless to say, Irish football fans and journalists (and even those from further afield) were raving about the youngster on social media.
Mason Melia
pic.twitter.com/hRKutEI7tC— Heimir’s Hounds (@Heimirshounds) August 22, 2024
Mason Melia
The maturity this kid shows to be leading the line at 16 years of age is absolutely incredible.
Very excited to see what the future holds for him, while also acknowledging it’s important not to pile pressure/expectations on him.
Future star I’m sure though! ✨ pic.twitter.com/i84ZDc9ACw
— Irish Football Blog (@BlogIrish) August 22, 2024
So impressed by Mason Melia for St Pats against Istanbul Basaksehir. 16 years old and leading the line superbly in a European play-off 🤯
I’d imagine he’s our top target for that 3rd choice striker spot, but he definitely won’t be short on offers
— Martin Crawford (@crawford7martin) August 22, 2024
Mason Melia, still a month shy of his 17th birthday, is such a special talent. Outstanding in the first-half, leading the line for St Patrick’s Athletic against Istanbul Basaksehir.
0-0 at the break.
— Mark McCadden (@markmccadden) August 22, 2024
Mason Melia is only 16 years old 😲
He’s gonna be a serious player!
— Soggy (@soggyboi) August 22, 2024
Though entering a hostile atmosphere in Istanbul will undoubtedly be a daunting prospect, Thursday night’s game will have given St Pats fans hope that they could yet grab a historic result next week.
If they do so, it would be no surprise to see Mason Melia play a major role.
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