A Belfast teenager who has gleaned inspiration from Marcus Rashford has helped Aston Villa progress to the semi-finals of the FA Youth Cup. Cole Brannigan was on target as Villa's Under 18 side brushed aside Plymouth Argyle on Friday night.
The former Linfield attacker scored in the 3-0 victory which has teed up a massive showdown with Manchester United in the semi-finals of the prestigious youth tournament.
Brannigan, who joined Villa from the Blues in 2023, continues to catch the eye in England. He has been starring for the Midlands club's Under 18 squad but has already made his debut for the U21s.
The 17-year-old - who has signed a professional contract with the Premier League giants - has scored nine goals in 10 Under 18 Premier League games this term. He bagged the third in Friday night's FA Youth Cup success (see below).
Next up it's Manchester United in the semis, with the other last-four tie seeing Manchester City take on Watford.
Brannigan has previously spoken of the impact Manchester United loanee Rashford has made at Villa since making the move in January.
The teen talent trained alongside the England striker and described Rashford's ability as "absolutely ridiculous".
Brannigan told the News Letter: “We played them on the Wednesday and he (Rashford) trained…he’s by far the best player I’ve seen technically with the ball – he was absolutely ridiculous. I couldn’t believe what I was seeing.
“We have a family group chat and I just put in ‘Marcus Rashford is absolutely ridiculous’. Having Marcus Rashford at the club, he’s someone for me to look up to.”
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