The 19-year-old from Meath is showing no signs of nerves in his fledgling Premier League career.
We’re a selfish lot in Ireland sometimes. For example, many of us are hoping Norwich City avoid relegation because it would mean Championship football for Robbie Brady and Wes Hoolahan.
We want as many of our players in the Premier League as possible.
That being said, it is a shame that Kevin Toner’s emergence in the Aston Villa side has come at a time when the Midlanders are rock bottom of the league.
The Ireland U19 international has impressed so much with Villa’s U21 side this season that caretaker boss Eric Black promoted him to the senior side. Toner made his debut against Southampton, last weekend, and now has a first league start to his name.
Villa somehow managed to turn a 2-1 lead to a 3-2 loss against Watford but Toner acquitted himself well. He made a couple of crucial interceptions, tackles and managed a shot on target.
Another unbelievable day for me personally to make my full premier league debut and for such a massive club #avfc pic.twitter.com/SRl8xnz0sb
— Kevin Toner (@kevintoner60) April 30, 2016
Watching the entire match from the bench was Jack Grealish.
The former Ireland underage international – now registered with the English FA – did not make it onto the pitch at Vicarage Road but was buoyed by Toner’s performance.
Very harsh result today, thought we deserved more. @kevintoner60 was brilliant on his first premier league start. Well done bro!
— Jack Grealish (@JackGrealish) April 30, 2016
Toner’s response?
‘Sound bud’.
Villa have Newcastle at home and Arsenal away to round out their season. Let’s hope Toner gets some more Premier League experience before 2016/17 in the second flight.
