Aston Villa striker Mikey Drennan admits he could've been a hurling star.

Drennan netted a hat-trick for Republic of Ireland U18s last week.

"Hurling is part of every kid's life in Kilkenny and I was no different," the 18-year-old told the Irish Independent. "The hurl would come everywhere -- to training, school and even to bed.

"I was lucky to be decent at two sports and it was a hard decision. My choice was to try to make a living from soccer and, in fairness to Brian Cody, he wished me all the best. The dream is to play in the Premier League for Aston Villa and become a senior Ireland international.

"My Aston Villa team-mates Derrick Williams and Samir Carruthers went all the way to the U-19 finals with Ireland two years ago and that's what Jack Grealish, another Villa lad in the squad, and I want to achieve this season."