'I've always liked Harry Kane'- Million euro kid Mason Melia outlines his influences
SPURSRED ON: Mason Melia poses for a portrait after a St Patrick's Athletic media conference at Tallaght Stadium. Pic: Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile.
Million-euro teenager Mason Melia admitted he modelled his game on Harry Kane before agreeing to join Tottenham Hotspur.
St Patrick’s Athletic owner Garrett Kelleher brokered a deal with Spurs in February to make their 17-year-old striker the first-ever million pound League of Ireland player.
The Saints are guaranteed an upfront fee of €1.9m, incremental bonuses including Ireland caps potentially doubling it, plus a 20% slice of profit on any future sale from Spurs.
The tyro from Newtownmountkennedy in Co Wicklow cannot move to a UK club until he turns 18 in September, ensuring he remains with the Saints for the remainder of this season.
That plan entails the LOI's most expensive continuing his European exposure on Thursday by facing a Beşiktaş team, managed by Ole Gunnar Solskjær, in the third round, first leg of the Conference League.
Melia will lead the line for the Saints at their temporary home of Tallaght and spoke at the pre-match press conference.
Asked about his idols during his development, he singled out Tottenham legend Kane, who departed White Hart Lane for Bayern Munich two years ago after becoming the record Premier League scorer in history, with 213 Premier League goals.
“There’s a lot of players and, I’m not just saying it because it’s Spurs, but I've always liked Harry Kane.
“I think he's just excellent at everything he does. I've always had something about him - I just think he's unique!"
"Look, a lot of the strikers are unreal. Everyone's different. I don't think I base my game on anyone.
“I wouldn't say I would watch him back or just watch his highlights. I'd still watch him when he plays for England.”
Melia’s fanbase extended to include Ireland manager Heimir Hallgrímsson after he shone in last year’s playoff against Istanbul Başakşehir.
He must help his first senior club overcome another Super Lig Turkish outfit to grace that level again in his final season before venturing abroad.
His chilled demeanour amid the hype has been noticed inside and outside his footballing habitat.
“I'm concentrating on Pat's at the moment,” he explained.
“Hopefully this game will be a big one. I had a little taste of last year playing a Turkish team, Istanbul. League of Ireland games on a Friday prepare me for what's going to be in front of me next year. I'm just excited for all of it.
“I think my teammate Chris Forrester asked me how are you so relaxed? I just take everything in my stride.
“It's what I'm here to do, play football at the end of the day. I don't think I'm giving him advice, he gives me advice on the pitch but he just has me laughing at me really.
“I have good people behind me, staff in football and family.”
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