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Rochdale's 16-Year-Old Goalscorer Luke Matheson Will Take Psychology Exam At School Today

Rochdale's 16-Year-Old Goalscorer Luke Matheson Will Take Psychology Exam At School Today

He will be greeted as a hero this morning.

Jack Kenmare

Jack Kenmare

Last year, a relatively unknown teenager walked into Trinity High School as Rochdale's youngest ever debutant, aged 15 years and 336 days.

Luke Matheson strolled into class that day with a Man of the Match award under his belt after playing an absolute blinder in the Checkatrade Trophy win over Bury.

It was a remarkable achievement for a player his age but now, with a number of first team appearances under his belt, the midfielder will take a Psychology exam after his incredible heroics at Old Trafford.

Rochdale's Luke Matheson (centre) celebrates scoring his side's first goal of the game during the Carabao Cup, Third Round match. Image: PA
Rochdale's Luke Matheson (centre) celebrates scoring his side's first goal of the game during the Carabao Cup, Third Round match. Image: PA
Image: PA
Image: PA

The 16-year-old scored a late equaliser against Manchester United in the EFL Cup this week, and helped the League One side reach a unprecedented penalty shoot-out.

Unfortunately for the underdogs, it just wasn't to be as United slotted away all of their spot-kicks.

But for a teenage Matheson, it was a night he will never forget, especially considering he should have been at school on Wednesday after a trip to Old Trafford got in the way.

Don't you just hate it when that happens.

Image: PA
Image: PA
Image: PA
Image: PA

After the full-time whistle, the youngster spoke of the importance of studying.

"I would have been at school today." he said. "I am going in tomorrow to make up for it when we have day off as I have a psychology test. I can't wait for that. I don't think I will sleep tonight.

"Rochdale and the school have been so supportive of me. I love learning; it is what I want to do.

"Football is not a guarantee. You never know what will happen. You could be the best player in the world but anything is possible.

"I want to have that back-up plan just in case."

Matheson achieved top grades in his GCSE results earlier this year.

In total, he picked up 10 grades, including a grade 8 in GCSE PE, a 9 in history, 8s in Chemistry, Physics and R.E, 7s in English Language, Maths and Biology, a 6 in Spanish and a 5 in English literature.

Reflecting on what an amazing year he's had on and off the pitch, he told the Manchester Evening News:

"Everything has happened so fast. I am so lucky. You do have to have some sort of skill but it just takes dedication.

"I have made a lot of sacrifices. I've stayed at home instead of going out with friends so I can do some extra training.

"It's been 100 per cent worth it and Rochdale have been amazing. Without Rochdale, I would be nothing. I've got them to thank for everything."

Image: PA
Image: PA

Now that is what you call dedication. Well played, young man.

Featured Image Credit:

Topics: Football News, Football, Manchester United, Goal, School, EFL Cup, League Cup

Jack Kenmare is a writer at SPORTbible. He's interviewed some of the biggest names in sport, including Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Pele, Carles Puyol and Tim Henman. He dabbles in all things sport but football is his biggest passion. He was once hit in the head by a wayward strike from Nicky Butt and lived to tell the tale.

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