Michael Quirke was delighted with his first full start for Coventry City in the 1-1 draw at Doncaster Rovers.
Quirke, who has come through the club's ranks and was the Covsupport News Service - Coventry City U18's Player Of The Year winner last season, made two excellent saves and some routine catches but could do nothing to stop James Hayter cancelling out Freddy Eastwood's 22nd minute goal.
Speaking to Sky Blue Player, Quirke, who even had his own song sung by the City supporters at the Keepmoat Stadium, said: "I was five minutes away from a clean sheet which would have been a fantastic way to end my debut but I'm still pleased with my performance and it's definitely been a day to remember.
"It's been a long journey. I've been here since I was eight years old and you dream of days like this. It's my 11th year at the club and it's what you work hard for. You just want to play in the first team and I've done that now so I want to keep doing it.
"Nothing beats playing for the first team and it's something to make my mum and dad proud because they've always supported me so it's nice to be able to give them something back.
"The lads in the team have been great since they found out I would be going in. I found out at 2pm before the game that Westy wouldn't be going in and that I'd got the nod from the manager and the lads were great.
"They were giving me encouragement during the game and telling me how well I'd done afterwards so it's just a shame we couldn't get the win.
"Westy is probably the toughest character to keep out of the team and that's my aim but he's been absolutely unbelievable with me.
"His experience is second to none and you can only learn from the best. He sorted me out with a pair of his gloves before the game and was with me all the way through. I couldn't have asked for anything more."