Sixteen-year-old Lennon Miller made history last week after becoming the youngest-ever player to feature for Motherwell in their 136-year history.
And his dad Lee - the former Scotland international - reckons it was written in the stars for the Wishaw midfielder - with his first-team debut coming on the birthday of his grandad Iain.
The ex-Coltness High School pupil came on as a 79th minute substitute for Callum Slattery in the Steelmen’s 4-0 Premier Sports Cup last 16 victory over Inverness Caledonian Thistle at Fir Park last Wednesday evening.
That broke the record held by Darren Smith, who played against Inverness Caledonian Thistle in 2004 at the age of 16 years and seven months. At the time, that broke Tommy Coakley's record which had stood for 40 years, having made his main appearance for 'Well at the age of 16 years and 11 months against Kilmarnock in April 1964.
Lennon's debut came just six days after he celebrated his 16th birthday and Motherwell gaffer Steven Hammell said post-match that his maiden appearance would have come much earlier if not for SPFL rules dictating no-one under the age of 16 feature in senior football.
Proud dad Lee has been blown away by his son’s big moment and felt it was fate as Lennon’s appearance fell on his dad’s birthday.
He told Lanarkshire Live Sport : “It’s absolutely amazing that he’s the youngest ever to play for Motherwell. It’s some feat.
“Lennon’s grandad, my dad, has been a fan for his life and when Lennon made his debut, that was actually my dad’s birthday, so it was meant to be.
“Everything just fell into place and it was a lovely moment for the family.
“Lennon got great feedback from Stevie as well, he spoke really well of him. He said it wasn’t just a token gesture to play Lennon, which I know can happen. Sometimes players are just put on to make a statement, but Lennon has more than earned his right within the squad.
“Stevie also mentioned if the age restriction wasn’t there he would have made his debut at 15.
"Lennon had his sights set on being the youngest in the SPFL and that was Dylan Reid at 16 years and five days. Lennon was on the bench against Kilmarnock and if he'd come on then, that would have been him at 16 years and two days.
“But Lennon is doing all the right things, all the right things are being said about him, it’s just down to him now to work hard and kick on.”
The whole Motherwell first-team squad signed Lennon's match shirt after the game and he has a memento to treasure from his big debut.
Lee added: “All the players signed his top and that was a nice wee touch as well.
“His wee brother took it into school with him the next day and he’s been wearing his top around.
“Lennon will get that framed now but he’s just so chilled about the whole thing.
"He is doing alright for a 16-year-old and he's done a lot in his career so far.
"Hats off to him, he's a great kid."
In another boost for Lennon, he is away with the Scotland under-17 squad for a training camp in Spain, alongside team-mate Robbie Garcia.
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