Kian Best admitted it was a “dream come true” to have made his debut for boyhood club Preston North End.
The left wing back followed signing his first professional contract with the club last week by starting for PNE in the opening match of the Sky Bet Championship campaign against Bristol City.
At 17 years of age, the defender has been with Ryan Lowe’s side during all of pre-season and earned his place in the starting XI at Ashton Gate for his bow in senior football.
Kian said: “It was a dream come true really. I’ve been here since the age of seven so it’s what I’ve been dreaming of ever since, so a massive thank you to the manager for trusting me.
“It’s been mad really but I’ve been taking everything as it comes and I’m glad for the opportunity.
“A few of the lads spoke to me and said, ‘Keep doing what you’ve been doing and you’ll be fine’, so I just took it like any other game really.”
Besty isn’t spending time congratulating himself for making his senior bow, though, with his next goal now maintaining a place in the North End first team.
He said: “I just want to get as many games as I can really this season, and try keep my place in the squad.
“I’ve started today so I want to keep my place for the next game and take it game by game really.”
The young defender put in an impressive display in the 1-1 draw against Bristol City, putting in some dangerous crosses from the left and from set pieces, while certainly not looking out of place.
He was, however, suffering with cramp late on and had to be substituted, and therefore was off the pitch when Will Keane drew North End level in the 86th minute.
“I was cramping up a little bit towards the end but I thought the game was good and we could have won towards the end as well,” he said.
“I was glad when we scored; I was buzzing. We could have had the three points but it’s a good point away from home so we’ll take the point and go onto the next.”