Jonathan Forte could not have asked for a better start to his Notts County career at the weekend.

The 22-year-old joined Notts on loan last Thursday - and 48 hours later had a first-half hat-trick to his name in a 4-0 win at Barnet.

As he made his way up the Main Stand at Barnet to conduct his post-match interviews with the press, he was proudly clutching the match ball.

And naturally, he had a huge grin on his face.

"I'm going to get this ball framed and signed by all the lads," he said afterwards.

"I'm delighted, it is a dream come true for me really to score three in my first game.

"I'm very proud, and the first half was awesome and I thoroughly enjoyed it.

"Some days the chances go in, some days they don't - and it was just a great day.

"In the second half I didn't play as well, and I think people could see I haven't been playing much lately.

"I'm already very happy here, and I now I want to keep on doing well for the team.

"It's my first hat-trick as a pro, and my only other one was for Sheffield United's Youth Team against Sheffield Wednesday.

"This is the 'one' though, doing it in a proper game."

He also praised his team-mates' efforts in making his debut so successful.

The loanee said: "I came here to help myself and also the boys, and long may it continue.

"The lads must all take the credit, the defence were superb and the midfielders were awesome and put some great balls in for me. Delroy alongside me was superb too.

"I was impressed with the team when I was at Scunthorpe earlier in the season when Notts came to Glanford Park in the Johnstone's Paint Trophy.

"I knew what they could do, and I'm really happy with my start and I can't wait for next week now."