Walsall midfielder Sam Perry was pleased to make his league debut for the Saddlers and is keen to push on.
The 19-year-old played 60 minutes against Bradford City on Saturday as he got his first taste of Sky Bet League Two football.
Perry was disappointed that the Saddlers fell to defeat on his debut. He insists the team need to react against Exeter City tonight but he was delighted to be given the opportunity.
“It’s brilliant from the gaffer to give me a chance,” Perry said.
“I’ve been working hard for the last five months, since pre-season and I’m happy to make my league debut.
“It’s what I needed really, I was buzzing before the game. I think I did well but we need to start picking up results, that’s the main thing so it’s all about a reaction on Tuesday.
“If I start again then I have to keep going and keep pushing. Hopefully I can be a lot stronger and fitter because that was my first game in five months but I thought I did OK.
“I need to take more time on the ball, pick the right passes when they’re on. It’s just about pushing on now, 60 minutes, so many games to go. We need to get results so it’s time to push on and we need a reaction on Tuesday.”
The Saddlers line-up on Saturday had a youthful feel to it as fellow teenagers Tyreik Wright and Alfie Bates also featured alongside Perry.
They are two players he knows very well and he was given a helping hand from his midfield partner who was taking similar steps at the beginning of last season.
“You know that both of them have got the ability,” Perry commented.
“Alfie has played how many games in League Two for the past two seasons and he helped me get through it.
"Tyreik, if you give him the ball, he’s always creating opportunities and he’s a good player.”
Perry will be hoping to be involved again tonight when the Saddlers take on Exeter City. Watch the game live on iFollow by purchasing a match pass here.