Walsall goalkeeper Jackson Smith was proud to make his professional debut against Crawley Town at the weekend.
The 21-year-old replaced Owen Evans, who came off at half time with an injury, to make his first appearance for the Saddlers since joining on loan from Wolverhampton Wanderers in January.
He’s delighted to have made his debut and while it was unexpected, he was prepared to step in.
“It’s what we train for,” Smith said.
“I hope Owen’s alright, I’m not too sure what happened when he came off but I just hope he’s OK.
“He and Watto (Dan Watson) have been brilliant since I came in. I said in my first interview that I wanted to leave this place a better goalkeeper and I truly believe that I’m going to do that.
“That was just a reward for how well I feel like I’ve done since I’ve been here.
“It’s a really proud moment for me, I’ve waited a long time for that. That’s what you train for since you’re a young lad and I’m over the moon.
“It would have been better to walk away with three points but it was a brilliant feeling to get out there and it’s an amazing feeling, I’m really happy.”
It was a proud moment for Smith and his family who have supported him throughout his footballing journey to get to this point.
He revealed that he had an unexpected supporter in the crowd at the Broadfield Stadium which came as a pleasant surprise.
“I said to my dad, we were on the phone in the morning, I knew I wasn’t starting so I said to him that it’s a very long way and I said ‘don’t come down, spend some time with mum and the family,’ he explained.
“I was under the impression that he wasn’t turning up and at the end of the game I’ve seen him in the stand and we celebrated together at the end so it was brilliant to see him there.
“I can’t describe in words what he’s done for me in my journey, not just him, my whole family but especially him.
“He's been there every minute of every game and to be able to celebrate that with him was amazing.”
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