Coventry City's 17 year old academy player Conor Thomas, who made his senior debut in the 2-1 win in the FA Cup third round tie at the weekend, has spoken to the Coventry Telegraph about his debut and his time at Coventry City.
Thomas said, "I was delighted to get on and make my debut but the most important thing was that we got the win and progressed through to the next round in the FA Cup, so it was a good day all round."
"I have been on the bench a few times and I think the gaffer has just been waiting for the right time to break me in slowly but I was just pleased to get on. I had no idea that I was going to play but when you are on the bench you know you have always got a chance. You just have to keep working hard in training and hope that you get it."
"The boys started off really well in the first half and got the two goals and Palace came back into it in the last ten minutes when they had a few chances, but Westy made a great save and kept us in the game really. The main thing was that we won and got through. I felt I did all right. It was a pretty steady debut and just nice to get it under my belt."
" I was a little bit nervous before I went on but once I was out there I just played my normal game. The manager told me to relax and go out and do what I normally do in training. I am a central midfielder and a big lad so hopefully I can dominate in there in the future."
"I like to keep the ball and try to pass is simple, nothing too flashy and I don't mind tackling as well. I like to get forward and get a goal if the time is right. I was a Man United fan when I was younger so my idol is Paul Scholes."
"I am playing in the FA Youth Cup tonight with the Academy so it has been a big week for me. It has been postponed a couple of times because of the weather but it is always good to be involved in the competition."
"It is a big game for the lads and hopefully we will be able to follow the first team and progress in that as well. It is nice going back because the lads will have seen me get on against Crystal Palace and they can see that if you work hard at this club the manager will give you a chance."
"I am not sure what the manager has got planned for me for the rest of the season, whether it comes to a stage where I need games on loan for my development, so only time will tell. It is a great atmosphere in the dressing room and the senior lads all help the younger players. I was only 17 at the end of October but I have signed professional forms until I am 19."
"I have been at the club for nine or ten years now. I started playing Sunday league football for Christ the King and was scouted by Coventry and have been here since the under 7's and under 8's."
"I am a Coventry lad from Coundon and went to Coundon Court School so it was nice to get on for my home town club, and a dream come true really, especially at home in front of the fans. It was a great experience and hopefully I can push on from here."
Kick off at Roots Hall tonight is at 7.30pm and admission is £3 for adults.