Walsall midfielder Joe Willis was delighted to make his first professional start in Tuesday’s victory over Brighton & Hove Albion Under 23s.
Willis played 60 minutes at the Saddlers earned a 1-0 victory and got their Papa John’s Trophy campaign off to the perfect start.
The 19-year-old is keen to build on his performance and was pleased to be handed the opportunity on Tuesday.
“I was delighted,” Willis said.
“I’ve made a couple of sub appearances but it was a nice moment when I found out I was starting a game so I was buzzing.”
“I want to get as many minutes as I can this season so it was a good way to start with 60 minutes so I’m pleased.
“I played a little bit out of position, I played off the right. He (Matt Taylor) asked me to do a job there and I’m more than happy to play where the gaffer wants me to and he said he was happy with me so I’ve just got to take it into whenever I next get that opportunity.
“The boys are doing well so opportunities are going to be maybe slim to come by so when I do get that chance, I’ve got to show him what I’m about and that he can trust me for the next game.
“I think that’s the biggest thing, him trusting me.”
“I know we didn’t play our best but the lads were all buzzing we got the win and it’s about building momentum now and we look straight ahead to Saturday and hopefully we can get three points.”
The Saddlers are four unbeaten in all competitions following Tuesday’s victory.
Willis feels the team are on the right track and has urged the team to take that momentum into Saturday’s trip to Newport County.
“I thought the boys did well but there’s stuff to take from that game that we can improve on in the next game but it shows that we’re moving in the right direction,” he commented.
“We probably didn’t play at our best (On Tuesday) but we still picked up a win.”
Full interview: