Forward Paddy Lane spoke to the club and local press after he was involved in Fleetwood Town’s 2-1 loss to fellow Sky Bet League One side Burton Albion in the Emirates FA Cup first round.
Today’s game means it’s over double figures in appearances for the Cod Army for the Northern Ireland Under-21 international - something he is relishing every opportunity of.
Here’s what he had to say:
On the result….
“It’s a trophy every young boy has grown up watching, I have played in every round now up to the first and I wanted to go further this year, but we haven’t unfortunately because of the result.
“It’s a proud achievement for me to play in this round but it has been overshadowed by the result - I love every opportunity I have been given this year, but I have to keep working hard on the pitch and on the training ground.”
On his experiences this year…
“Every experience is a learning curve, whether it’s a win, loss, or draw on international duty or club football but at the same time you’re on that specific pitch for a reason and I have to keep pushing on.
“It’s an honour to play international football, it makes me feel proud as punch but then, on the other hand, there’s Hilly (James Hill) who I want to give a special mention to for his international recognition because he’s flying the football league flag next to premier league footballers.”
On hitting personal milestones…
“There’s a few personal moments that stand out - my debut was special because my family was watching then obviously my first goal for the club away at Cambridge was special too, but moments like when CJ (Carl Johnston) come on the pitch as well stand out because I look around and one of my best mates is on the pitch with me.
“My Northern Ireland call ups are special but when at Fleetwood my focus is to personally improve myself, I have to keep doing what I’m doing and working hard most days and repaying the gaffer, the fans have been superb as well, it’s a close club who engage with the fans and when they sing my name there is nothing better - I just want to repay them with goals and assist on the pitch.”