'He just wanted to be a footballer': How Glentoran spell set teen up for success after Arsenal penalty joy

Haughey, who joined the League Two club in 2023 and was rewarded with an improved long-term contract earlier this year, confidently slammed a decisive penalty past Illan Meslier to spark jubilant scenes inside Highbury Stadium.

With 83 places separating the two teams – Fleetwood are currently just two points above the English fourth-tier’s relegation zone – the upset has been labelled as one of – if not the – biggest in competition history.

Haughey has established himself in Fleetwood’s senior ranks, making 19 league appearances last term, and has now secured legendary status after Tuesday’s heroics.

While many would freeze at the prospect 19-year-old Haughey faced under extreme pressure, Mathieson, who was watching at home, had no doubts about the outcome.

It was a significant night for young Northern Irish talent with Haughey coming up against 18-year-old Ceadach O’Neill – the former Linfield teen marking his first competitive Arsenal start.

"Nothing ever fazed him,” Mathieson told the News Letter. “He would hit the last penalty in a World Cup final if he had the chance – it wouldn’t faze that lad.

"The sky's the limit for those two kids now (Haughey and O’Neill) and hopefully other kids see it and push themselves.

"It's easy saying you want it, but you've got to do the dirty work, and Conor and Ceadach have done that to get the rewards of where they are now.

"There's definitely quality about the Irish League...no wonder these bigger clubs in England are coming over here and looking at the talent.

"Hopefully it continues and our young players continue getting moves.

“(The interest) has increased definitely over the last few years. It's all good work from coaches at every club, who are putting a lot of time and effort into their young kids, and they're getting rewards.

"Every club seems to have a chance now, and through the seasons, hopefully it'll continue.

"I think it helps when you've been in a senior changing room at a young age, you're not shocked if you go into a men's senior team at a full-time club in England.

“I don't think it mattered with Conor – it's just the way he is. He's a really nice fella, and very mature for his age, both on and off the pitch.”

In September 2022, Haughey became Glentoran’s youngest-ever player, coming off the bench in a Co Antrim Shield win over Lisburn Distillery at the age of 15 years, three months and eight days – a record which still stands.

Haughey’s ability was evident from the moment Mathieson first watched him in action, but the success he’s currently enjoying is about far more than just natural talent.

"Conor was in a great group,” added Mathieson. “He was a year young, playing with James Douglas, Rhys Walsh, Jude Johnson, Callan Farley, Fra Turley, who went to Celtic.

"Conor was a year younger, but he was always more than capable...he stepped up into the first team and is still our youngest-ever player.

"He was a confident kid, always wanting to do well, and we were very lucky to get him through...Adrian Hill, Stephen Lowry and David Lowry did a lot of work behind the scenes to get him.

"He stepped up because it was too easy for him at his own age, but he wanted it too, he's a kid that always worked hard and always listened.

"He always just wanted to be a footballer, he's very confident in himself, and a real good, good player.

"It was just so easy for him at a young age. He played at the back at the start, and then I put him in midfield, just to get him more involved in the game, because he was strolling it...I put him in midfield, he was strolling it there too.

"He's just one of them natural talents, but he's also put in a lot of hard work.”