Standing on the pitch in the sweltering La Linea sun, under the shadow of the Rock of Gibraltar, Liverpool teenager Kieran Morrison pulled on the number nine shirt for his senior Northern Ireland debut against Guinea on Thursday—the same iconic number worn by David Healy during the country's goalscoring golden years. It was a moment he'd barely anticipated at the season's start, but when the final whistle sounded on the 1-0 victory, Morrison did what he always does: he called his dad.

For as long as Morrison can remember—since he was four years old—his father has been his coach and his most consistent voice. After every single game, his dad calls until Morrison answers, offering criticism where it's needed and praise where it's due. Standing on Spanish soil in his first 45 minutes as a senior international, Morrison was still seeking that familiar perspective. "He was telling me what I could have done better and what I done well," Morrison said. "He does that every game. I'm glad I have that type of person in my corner, sometimes it's to give me criticism and other times it's to offer praise."

The call came during a remarkable night for Northern Ireland's youth development. Morrison was part of the youngest starting XI on record since the end of World War Two—with an average age of just 22.1 years—making his debut alongside Arsenal teenager Ceadach O'Neill, who came on from the bench. Blackburn Rovers defender Tom Atcheson scored the winning goal in his own debut start, though he was sent off before the final whistle. It was a night that vindicated Northern Ireland's JD Academy pathway, the system that had shaped both Morrison and O'Neill from their earliest years in the game.

Morrison's rise came despite limited senior minutes at Liverpool under the now-departed Arne Slot, who gave him opportunities only in the EFL Cup and FA Cup. When Michael O'Neill called him into the senior squad for the World Cup play-off with Italy in March, Morrison didn't feature in Bergamo or in the friendly against Wales that followed. Guinea provided his first real chance, and he seized it with both hands.

The weight of the number nine wasn't lost on him. "I was shocked when I seen number nine. I don't think I've ever worn number nine," Morrison said. "I was expecting 10 or 17 or something, but I'm proud with number nine. I'm proud and I'll keep it forever." It was a shirt that carried history, tradition, and expectation—and Morrison wore it with the kind of understated pride that comes from knowing his achievements are grounded in hard work and honest feedback.

Even as he celebrated his own breakthrough, Morrison took time to acknowledge O'Neill's achievement. The two had come through the same academy system and remained close, their bond strengthened by shared ambition. "Me and Ceadach are close. I was mocking him on his number," Morrison said, before adding with genuine warmth, "But I was proud of him to make his debut. He deserves it. It was a really proud moment for him and his family."

At the start of the season, Morrison never would have imagined hearing himself called a Northern Ireland international. Now, with his dad's voice still fresh in his ear and a green shirt hanging in his locker, the journey that began at four years old has taken a remarkable turn.