James Wallace has hailed the ‘first class’ medical department at the club after making his debut against Leicester City on Tuesday night.
Wallace – who has been setback in pre-season due to injury – came on for Bobby Grant midway through the second half at the King Power in Town’s 4-0 defeat.
Despite the result, the 26-year-old was happy to make his first appearance for the Cod Army, and is hungry for more.
“I’m a footballer, and I need to be on the field,” said Wallace.
“I’ve spent too much time in the treatment room – it’s not my fault but that’s just the way it’s been for me over the last few years. The physio and the management staff here have been first class with me and looked after me, hopefully I can now get more minutes on the pitch.
“I’m not carried away, I know I’m not ready to be fully starting games just yet as I’ve only had two weeks full training. But listen, when you’re called upon you’ve got to be ready to play, and now I’ve proved that I’m ready if called upon.”
Tuesday’s game also saw a debut for 16-year-old James Hill, with the Under 18s captain becoming the club’s youngest player of all time.
“He’s been great round the place and gave us a good Eminem song in the hotel last night too!
“I played against his dad in the league and now he’s starting his career too, so it’s great for him and his family.
“I’ve made my debut, Hilly [James Hill] has made his debut and a few of the lads who haven’t been in the team have featured but we knew it was always going to be difficult. It was tough. We’ve come to a top Premier League team and got a 4-0 defeat, but it’s a learning curve for the lads.
“We won’t come up against League One opposition week in week out, so it was a good test and learning curve for us.”