Updated at 22.07

IT’S BEEN A night to remember for Waterford teenager Jayson Molumby, after he was handed a senior debut for Brighton’s EFL Cup tie at home to Barnet.

The midfielder, who turned 18 earlier this month, was included in a Seagulls side that also featured established players such as Anthony Knockaert and Tomer Hemed, while another Irish player, Richie Towell, also got a rare chance to impress in midfield.

Molumby is highly thought of in Irish footballing circles and was one of three players nominated for U17 International Player of the Year last March ahead of the FAI awards, with the prize ultimately won by West Ham’s Declan Rice.

The Irish youngster joined Brighton in April 2015, having also attracted interest from Aston Villa, Birmingham and Blackburn.

In addition, 17-year-old Galway native Aaron Connolly, who was included in Ireland’s squad for the Uefa European U17 Championship earlier this year, earned a place on the bench for tonight’s fixture.

Connolly was subsequently introduced as a substitute this evening, replacing Hemed on 76 minutes.

Brighton ultimately emerged as 1-0 victors, with James Tilley hitting the winner on 53 minutes.

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