Teenager Aaron thrilled by European debut

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Published: Friday, 18 July 2014 11:00

AARON Hassall was delighted to make his European debut at the age of 16 as the Wingmakers were narrowly defeated in Norway last week.

A pupil of Queen's Park High School in Chester, Hassall came on as a second-half substitute against FK Haugesund and, in his half hour cameo appearance, set-up a chance for Glenn Rule to grab an equaliser.

"I never thought last season that, at my age, I would be playing European football this season," said Hassall, who described his selection as "the best thing i've ever experienced". "It’s just totally surreal and the trip to Norway has just made me want to succeed even more this season."

Hassall has been named part of next season's senior squad for the Wingmakers, after earning a Wales Under-17 cap last season and becoming one of the Welsh Premier League's youngest-ever goal scorers in the final game of the season against Carmarthen Town.

"The gaffer has been brilliant with me and I’ve learned a lot from him and Jock (assistant manager Andy Morrison) as they have both played at the highest level," he added.

"I just want to keep on improving and keep on getting games under my belt. With the calibre of players in the squad, I think that we can have another great season.

"Hopefully we can get European qualification again and maybe knock TNS off the top spot for once."

Hassall has already been scouted by a number of Football League clubs and Preece predicts a bright future for his protege.

Photo: Aaron Hassall (right) on the ball during the second leg Europa League tie in Haugesund.