A BEAMING Michael ‘Oba’ Obafemi admitted he was “overwhelmed” to make his Saints debut in the 1-1 draw with Tottenham at St Mary’s yesterday.

The 17-year-old striker was a surprise inclusion in the squad with Shane Long out due to illness.

The academy man, who has scored 12 goals for the under-18s this season, came on as a late substitute for Manolo Gabbiadini.

“It’s been a dream to make my debut in the Premier League since I was a small kid, but it’s a stepping stone and hopefully I can move on from here,” he said.

The Ireland Under-19 international, who joined Saints from Leyton Orient having been brought up in London, was preparing for Saints Under-18s game against Fulham yesterday when he got the nod to be in the first-team.

The youngster came on in the 82nd minute and was gifted a golden chance to cap off his debut with a goal but he was unable to finish from Dusan Tadic’s cross.

“I came in on Saturday thinking I was going to be playing the under-18s match against Fulham but then I got told I was training with the first team and I’d be potentially in the squad for today,” he said.

“I was and I’m thankful for making my debut.”

He added: “I was overwhelmed because it’s a big stage to be put on but I’m just thankful for the opportunity.

“It was overwhelming but I think I dealt with it alright and I should have put that chance away but I’ve just got to move on.”

Talking about his missed chance, he said: “I don’t really know what happened to be fair, I just got caught in the moment and didn’t take the chance.”

Obafemi was drafted in straight from the under-18s and has scarcely yet played for the under-23 academy team.

“You watch it yourself and it’s the best league in the world. I’m just thankful I’ve played in it,” he said about his debut.

“Hopefully I’m able to start in the Premier League but now I’ve got to move on and use this as a starting point.

“I’ve been doing well for the under-18s. I’ve got 12 goals this season for them and now I’m looking to get more goals in this half of the season.

“Hopefully I can play more games for the under-23s and go from there.

“I’ve not really played under-23s very much.”

Obafemi, who bases his game on former Brazilian striker Ronaldo and was scouted by Saints while playing for Orient in April 2016, was thankful for the support the Mauricio Pellegrino gave to him on his big day. “Pellegrino was just telling to me to show them what I can do and get behind and cause trouble, which I think I did,” he said.