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Joe Hatch has been tipped for big things at Home Park after recently making his first-team debut

This article is part of Football League World's 'Terrace Talk' series, which provides personal opinions from our FLW Fan Pundits regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more...

Plymouth Argyle youngster Joe Hatch has been tipped for a big future after making his first-team debut against Burnley at the beginning of the month.

The 18-year-old striker has been in prolific form for the Pilgrims' youth sides, and boss Wayne Rooney rewarded him with inclusion in the first-team matchday squad for their recent trip to Burnley, with Hatch coming on for his debut at the death as they chased a late goal.

It was a big moment for the Wales youth international, and you feel as if the late cameo at Turf Moor won't be the only time he's seen in the first-team this season, with the Devon-born striker set for a big future in the game.

Rooney knows better than anybody about what it's like to be drafted in as a youngster, and the fact he was willing to give Hatch an opportunity at this stage of his career bodes well for the future.

Joe Hatch dubbed a rising star at Home Park

We asked our Plymouth fan pundit, Chris, about who he expects Plymouth's next breakthrough star to be, and it's clear that Hatch is a player that he expects big things from.

Speaking to Football League World, Chris said: “I believe many would agree in recent years that Argyle have had great success in their youth development programme.

“Names like Michael Cooper, Adam Randall and Freddie Issaka to name a few from recent years.

“One name that stands out, however, as one that is going to be a rising star is Joe Hatch.

“The 18-year-old Welsh centre-forward has been scoring for fun at youth level, as he’s regularly on the scoresheet.

“However, he made his first-team debut recently in the away fixture at Burnley. Although he had very little time to make an impact, I’m sure that he’ll be seeing more and more first-team football as the years come by, and I’m sure he’ll be a first-team regular when he gets up to speed."

Joe Hatch looks set for a big future at Plymouth Argyle

Sometimes, in football, you just need that one opportunity to make a name for yourself, and Hatch's opportunity at Burnley came due to injuries and Michael Obafemi being ineligible as he's on loan from Burnley, meaning that Rooney had to look to his youngsters.

Rooney revealed in the aftermath of the defeat at Turf Moor that Hatch had yet to train with the senior squad, but his 11 goals in four games for the youth team meant he earned a call-up to the first-team.

Speaking to Plymouth Live, Rooney said: "One player's misfortune in getting injured leaves an opportunity for another player to come in. Joe has done really well in the 18s and scored a lot of goals over the last few weeks.

"Michael Obafemi couldn't play against his parent club and Ryan Hardie was the only recognised number nine for us, so I felt it was a good time to bring him (Hatch) in.

"I have put him on the pitch towards the end, and you are hoping he might get one opportunity, and he takes it. I'm pleased for him, I think he deserves it through his performances. I'm sure he's really proud.

"Joe hasn't even trained with us so we need to integrate him into the squad. I remember Marcus Rashford coming into the team at Manchester United because of injuries or suspensions without training with us, and his career has then obviously gone in the pathway it has. Sometimes all you need is that chance as a player."

Hatch wasn't in the matchday squad for their win over Blackburn the following weekend, but his cameo at Burnley is a glimpse of things to come, and he'll be looking to take further chances later this season when Rooney's squad is stretched.