Nathan Rego has emerged as one of the island’s most exciting young talents after his breakout season at First Division champions Somerset Eagles.

Still only 16, the striker scored 20 goals in all competitions this season — 19 in the league — to help propel his team to the top flight after a five-year absence.

Rego struck a hat-trick against Wolves at Devonshire Recreation Club on Sunday to ensure Eagles leapfrogged leaders Flanagan’s Onions to claim the title on the final weekend of the season.

The only blot on an otherwise superb season for Rego was missing out on the leading scorer award to Clay Darrell of Young Men’s Social Club by one goal.

“I think my team contributed to my goals,” Rego said. “They allowed me to score the goals that I scored.

“It was a battle between me and Clay for the top scorer and unfortunately, for me, he came out on top.”

The CedarBridge Academy student admits he exceeded his expectations during his debut season at the senior level — but always felt Eagles were capable of promotion.

“I didn’t imagine I could achieve this, I was just trying my best and luckily I was able to finish with the second most goals in the league,” Rego said.

“We knew what we needed to do, we had to come out strong and win our individual battles. I also think our fitness was key this season as we took training seriously.”

Rego said he was excited about challenging himself against Premier Division defences but knows he will have to work on certain aspects of his game if he is to make an impact at the higher level.

“If I can get my first touch down a bit more I will be good,” Rego said. “I think I will be ready for the Premier Division.

He added: “My aspiration is to play professional football. Once I’ve finished my final year of high school I want to go to college overseas and take it from there.”

Roger Lee, the Eagles assistant coach, believes Rego has all the attributes of a natural goalscorer.

“Nathan’s done a tremendous job for us this season,” Lee said. “He’s only 16 and still has some things to learn but he’s good in front of goal.

“He can score goals and scored quite a few for Eagles this season.

“I’m very happy for Nathan as it’s his first season playing senior football and he’s done really well.”

Lee added: “It’s been a bit of an up-and-down season for us. We were a little inconsistent but that’s part of football.

“We managed to finish the season strongly and a 6-0 win over Wolves is a fantastic result. It’s great to have won the league.”

Eagles, who are coached by former Trinidad defender Marlon Rojas, finished two points ahead of Onions, winning 12 of their 18 league games this season.