Fleetwood Town Under-18 forward Sam Glenfield made his Town debut on Tuesday night in the Carabao Cup tie against Premier League side Everton at Highbury Stadium.
Glenfield, 17, joined the Cods from NIFL Premiership side Portadown after signing a professional contract with them at the age of 15 and spent 18-months playing with their first team.
The forward has also been part of the Northern Ireland youth setup, with call-ups coming for the Under-17s in the past and has recently been with the Under-18s at the Super Cup.
After coming on in the 87th minute against Frank Lampard’s Everton, here’s what the youngster had to say:
On making his debut and the whole occasion...
“It was an incredible experience. It was a really good game to come on to against a top side in Everton. It was an end-to-end game and such a good feeling to be part of.
“I found out I was going to be involved in the matchday squad during the week. I was heading into training as usual and the gaffer pulled me to one side and said tou’re going to be involved against Everton, and I was absolutely buzzing, I couldn’t get the match or what he had said to me out of my head. I was just delighted he had the faith and trust in me to get me involved in the squad.
“When the gaffer said you’re coming on, I was so excited. I was warming-up on the touchline and with the score only 1-0 to Everton, I was hoping we would get a result and then I come on and I was just buzzing inside, I just wanted to get out there and try and make a difference.
“He [Scott Brown] told me to just go out there and enjoy the occasion and that’s what I did and for me it was such a proud moment.”
On watching players on the tele and making the family proud…
“As a young player, you pick up so much from just watching these players on the side. Their speed, their movement and how they conduct themselves was just great to watch, but then to finally get my nod and play out there for 5-10 minutes, it was just a great feeling and one I will never forget.
“As a young lad, you grew up watching these players on Match of the Day and as I keep saying, it was an incredible experience and delighted to be involved.
“It feels just so so surreal. My mum was at the game and straight after the final whistle, I went over to see her. She’s been amazing with me as she’s the one who drove me to training every week as well as up and down the country each week so I honestly couldn’t ask for a better mum to help me and see me reach this level.
“She told me she was just very proud of what I have done and gave me a massive hug. It was great to just see her have a smile on her face and that’s another moment I won’t forget."
On what’s next for the young forward…
“I know this is only the start. Hopefully I can keep getting chances with the Under-18s, the Under-23s and maybe the First Team and for me I just need to keep working hard, keep giving 100% in training and wherever I play, keep progressing and keep demanding more from myself.”