'I thought I scored' - Young Irish-Nigerian LB reacts after making senior debut for Crystal Palace

Wearing the number 45 at the back of his jersey, Adaramola joined Michael Olise on the Selhurst Park turf with five minutes left on the clock as the Eagles defeated Hartlepool United 2-0 to book their place in the fifth round of the Emirates FA Cup.

Manager Patrick Vieira rewarded him with a first team debut following a string of fine displays for Palace youth teams this season that have seen him directly participate in five goals in 14 matches combined in the U18 Premier League and Premier League 2.

Asked when he found out he was coming on for his debut, Adaramola said to the official website of the Eagles : "They kept telling me to stay like really warm so obviously I was there for so long, I didn't know what to do anymore.

"I was just watching the game and the gaffer called me over and this time he actually told me to get stripped so I knew I was coming on for real."

It was almost a dream debut for Adaramola but he was denied from getting on the scoresheet by a last-gasp challenge form a Hartlepool United player after Olise's effort was saved.

On the rebound that he nearly got to, the exciting fullback said : "I thought I had scored, I don't even know what to say about that. I'm not going to sleep tonight with that one."