IT’S BEEN A season to forget for Aston Villa and everyone associated with the club but Kevin Toner will always look back on the campaign with a touch of personal satisfaction.
The 19-year-old made his Premier League debut during last week’s defeat to Southampton after impressing for the club’s U21 side.
Toner, from Ashbourne in County Meath, replaced Micah Richards at half-time of the 4-2 defeat and held his own in central defence during a solid cameo.
While he was naturally disappointed with the result, the defender said the experience has made him hungry for more.
“It was a dream come true to play for the Villa first team,” he told the club’s website.
“You work all your life for that kind of moment. To do it at a young age feels like an achievement for me.
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“I was just so delighted. It was a crazy feeing – my heart was really pumping when I came on.
Toner playing for Ireland. Ryan Byrne / INPHO
Ryan Byrne / INPHO / INPHO
“The phone was really going after the game and everyone I know was thrilled for me to be involved.
“There was comments coming through from loads of people, even lads I played with when I was much younger, which was really nice.
“They were buzzing for me and that was a good feeling, I must admit.”
The Ireland U19 international joined Aston Villa’s academy in 2012 after spells with Home Farm and his local club Ashbourne United.
He enjoyed a short stint with Kidderminster Harriers last year, where he made six appearances during a one-month loan.
But now he’s focusing on the remaining games of the season and hopes to feature in this weekend’s fixture against Watford.
“It leaves you hungry for more,” he added.
“To be involved once has been great but I will keep working hard to be on the pitch again with the team and, if I am involved, look to contribute positively.
“All I am concentrating on at the moment is staying in and around the first team group as much as possible.
“I want to get involved with the boys during the week and be involved with the matchday squad – anything around them.”
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'It was a crazy feeling' - Irish teenager hungry to kick on after making Premier League debut
IT’S BEEN A season to forget for Aston Villa and everyone associated with the club but Kevin Toner will always look back on the campaign with a touch of personal satisfaction.
The 19-year-old made his Premier League debut during last week’s defeat to Southampton after impressing for the club’s U21 side.
Toner, from Ashbourne in County Meath, replaced Micah Richards at half-time of the 4-2 defeat and held his own in central defence during a solid cameo.
While he was naturally disappointed with the result, the defender said the experience has made him hungry for more.
“It was a dream come true to play for the Villa first team,” he told the club’s website.
“You work all your life for that kind of moment. To do it at a young age feels like an achievement for me.
“I was just so delighted. It was a crazy feeing – my heart was really pumping when I came on.
“The phone was really going after the game and everyone I know was thrilled for me to be involved.
“There was comments coming through from loads of people, even lads I played with when I was much younger, which was really nice.
“They were buzzing for me and that was a good feeling, I must admit.”
The Ireland U19 international joined Aston Villa’s academy in 2012 after spells with Home Farm and his local club Ashbourne United.
He enjoyed a short stint with Kidderminster Harriers last year, where he made six appearances during a one-month loan.
But now he’s focusing on the remaining games of the season and hopes to feature in this weekend’s fixture against Watford.
“It leaves you hungry for more,” he added.
“All I am concentrating on at the moment is staying in and around the first team group as much as possible.
“I want to get involved with the boys during the week and be involved with the matchday squad – anything around them.”
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