The adage 'If you're good enough you're old enough' is often brought out in the world of sport.
Manchester United's legendary manager Sir Matt Busby was first to quote the famous line over 50 years ago.
It is a mantra that has been trotted out quite frequently over the past 48 hours since Christopher Atherton made his senior debut for Glenavon aged just 13 years and 329 days.
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Atherton came on as a late substitute in Glenavon's 6-0 League Cup win over Dollingstown, becoming the youngest player to ever play first class football in the United Kingdom.
Praise has deservedly been heaped on the youngster following his history-making display, but it has also opened up a debate on whether there should be a higher age cap on teenagers playing senior football.
Glenavon manager Gary Hamilton was asked about it after Tuesday's game.
He told the BBC: "We do things right at the football club. With any talented player you want to progress and move on, whether it is into the 20s or into the first-team set-up.
"We are always in constant dialogue with the parents, and we always make sure first and foremost they're okay with it and they trust it, but you have to pick the right games for them.
"And we felt Tuesday night was the right time. We are not going to put him into a high pressure match or where the game is tight."
Hopes are high that Atherton will one day secure a move into full-time football across the water. He is undeniably an asset to Glenavon.
Lisburn Distillery boss Barry Johnston has hailed Hamilton as a master at developing young talent. He regards him as the best in the Irish League.
But Johnston believes 13 years of age is too young to be playing senior football.
He told Belfast Live's That's What I Call Football podcast : "I really like Gary and he has probably brought more young players through during his time in Irish League management than any other manager.
"I am not questioning him by the way. Obviously Gary knows his players and he knows how talented there are. But there has to be consideration for player welfare.
"At 13 you are not fully developed. If a big brute of a fella comes in and hits you...
"I'll put it in layman's terms. If a 13-year-old comes on and starts taking the p*** out of a seasoned professional, and that pro hits him a hard tackle, then what happens to that kid?
"And if he hurts himself and it sets him back, then who's fault is it? That's just me speaking as a football coach, I would be uncomfortable throwing in a 13-year-old.
"You look at your kids at 13 and you ask: 'Is he a man? Is he ready for men's football?'.
"There's not too many would say 'yeah, throw him on'.
"It is Gary's decision and Glenavon's business model, whatever way they want to do it. And Gary has been outstanding at it, probably the best in the league. Look at the likes of Mark Sykes, Bobby Burns and others.
"But is Christopher Atherton the only young player Glenavon could have called up on Tuesday night? Out of the Under 20s, 18s, 16s whatever. Is he the only one good enough to step up and play a few minutes?
"It wouldn't sit very comfortably with me, but who are we to question Gary Hamilton."
Newry City manager Darren Mullen recalls making his senior debut for Millburn United when he was 14, but his memories consist of scoring an own goal with his first touch.
Asked if he would start a 13-year-old in a senior game, Mullen said: "Honestly, no. Gary Hamilton will know his players better than me. But as a rule for me, no.
"I am actually sitting here wearing a Millburn United 50th anniversary jersey, and they were the first senior team that I played for. I remember making my senior debut at 14, but I wasn't a wonder kid. They only had 10 players and my dad was the manager.
"My first touch was an own goal, I think it went off my knee and into the net."
He added: "There are a couple of things with it. Yes, there is a case of saying 'if you're good enough you're old enough'. Wayne Rooney started at 16 and Lionel Messi 17.
"But 13/14 seems very young for me. You're not saying the kid doesn't have ability. You hope he goes on and does really well.
"But it is the physicality, and the Irish League is tough. And throwing players in early can be dangerous. But we will see how it goes. Thankfully the young lad got through it unscathed.
"Again, depending on the maturity levels of the young lad, how will he handle all this. "People now know him. he has been on Sky Sports and things and there is that little but of pressure on him. He will drop back to his age group now I'd imagine.
"You really do hope he goes and justifies the hype that is inevitably with him. It is not too often you see that happen and hopefully the lad goes on and does well."
Meanwhile, Northern Ireland boss Ian Baraclough believes the debate will continue over age caps.
But he says Atherton will have experienced an "unbelievable week" after making his Glenavon debut.
"He just missed out on the Northern Ireland squad this time. I am sure he will have other opportunities," Baraclough joked.
"I can only think when I was playing at 13 years of age, you are desperate to play at the highest level possible. And for Chris, I am sure it was an unbelievable week.
"There will always be an argument on what age group is too young, but you have to trust everyone around the situation on whether a player is being put under risk.
"That will be an ongoing debate, I am sure. But for Chris and his family, I am sure he wants to develop as quickly as possible and I think it has been a great week for him.
"We just have to make sure we look after our young players."
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