Rhys Brennan wants his dramatic winner for Bohs in Tallaght to be the first step towards a successful career in the game.
Dispatched in the 96th and final minute against Shamrock Rovers, is was his first in the League, having had a late effort chalked off last Friday against Cork City at Dalymount Park. What a way to introduce yourself properly to the Gypsies faithful and the wider Irish football audience.
"I can't put it into words, a dream come true," the winger beamed. "Last week my goal was disallowed. I just came into this game with the same mindset, 'just get your first goal, play the way you normally play, don't overthink it'. It's just unbelievable."
Brennan grew up in the shadow of Richmond Park in Inchicore. "I was a Pat's fan when I was younger and went to a lot of games with my mates," he grinned. "Some of them are Pats and some of them are Rovers, So I'm going to go give them a bit of stick now.
"Bohs is where I want to be now, I love it. All the lads are great, they took me under their wing. I want to make a name for myself. I came into the game snapping that my goal was disallowed last week, but wanted to make a name for myself and go from there - and hopefully I did that.”
He started at Lourdes Celtic, went to Crumlin United and, after playing for Shelbourne from under-13 level, he returned to Crumlin's under-17s.
He joined Bohs two Christmases ago only to fracture his ankle with the club's under-20s. But he recovered and earned his first pro contract, forcing his way into Alan Reynolds' first team plans.
"It's about working hard, all I want to do is play football, that's my dream, to be a professional footballer," said Brennan. "I can't work, I'm not a grafter. So football is all I have and I want to get to where I want to be."
Bohs' other two goalscorers on Monday were Dawson Devoy and Ross Tierney, who are both back at the club after spells abroad.
Brennan has spoken to both about their respective pathways. "That's my aim, to play abroad somewhere but right now it’s Bohs," he said. "Keep my head in place and keep working.
"Rossi and Daws help me out with everything and I'd be lost without them this year giving my little pointers, all the lads do. They’re more experienced than me so it’s just about listening to their advice and keep working."
Reynolds spoke after the game about having to pick his moments to use Brennan because of the fact that Bohs struggled earlier in the season and the atmosphere had turned against the manager.
The teenager insists that Reynolds deserves time in the job. "Some people are just talking about Rennie for no reason," Brennan commented. "He's just doing his job, we all have his back.
"Whether we win or lose we'll still be there, we won on Monday so hopefully a few fans will lay off - he's doing his job and we are doing ours. We keep playing and keep getting wins, starting with Pat's on Friday.
"He's been unbelievable, honestly, since I came into the first team. Last year with the 20s was great but now that I'm with the first team, it's just about developing and getting more physical, which I’m doing with my gym plans and everything seems to be working.
"The manager has helped me out with everything and shown me where I need to be to get to a higher level. To win two-in-a-row has our confidence at an all time (high) so just keep playing, cool heads against Pats.
"Hopefully get an early goal and show we’re capable of getting another win and hopefully will ease the pressure off the manager a bit more because he deserves to have this job, he’s unbelievable. The work he does with us all, I love him, he’s just great with me and all the lads."
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