Glentoran coach praises Conor Haughey after penalty knocks Arsenal out of cup

Glentoran academy director Andy Matheson has praised Belfast footballer Conor Haughey after the 19-year-old’s decisive shootout penalty sent Fleetwood Town through against Arsenal in the Carabao Cup on Tuesday 27 October. Matheson said that the teenager’s confidence against the Premier League champions came as no surprise.

Haughey remains Glentoran’s youngest senior player, having made his debut at 15. He had joined the club only a couple of years earlier and played above his age group before moving into the first-team squad.

Matheson recalled a player who was eager to learn and whose self-belief was evident long before his move to Fleetwood.

“It wasn’t cockiness, it was just the way he was about himself,” Matheson said.

Glentoran sold Haughey to the English club a few years ago and have followed his development since. Matheson said he believed a pre-season injury had kept the teenager out for a spell and that he was now working his way back.

Confidence on the cup stage

Fleetwood overcame a gap of more than 80 league places to eliminate Arsenal and reach the next round. Supporters went on to the pitch to celebrate after Haughey converted the winning spot-kick.

His emotional Sky Sports interview also drew attention in Belfast, with his language reflecting the moment.

Asked what had been going through his mind as he took the penalty, Haughey replied: “Top corner and just run like f***,” as supporters celebrated.

For Matheson, neither the performance nor the interview was unexpected: “It wasn’t a shock to be honest with you, he was always very chirpy and confident of himself,” he said.