Pierce Bird says he was delighted to make his first league start for Notts County during Saturday’s goalless draw with Bury.
The centre-half put in an excellent display in just his third appearance of the season with many touting him as Man of the Match at Meadow Lane.
And the 19-year-old was thrilled to start his first league game in front of a home crowd.
“I was delighted to get out there and play at Meadow Lane with Notts fans behind me,” said Bird.
“I’ve had to bide my time and work hard in training and it felt so good to get my first start.
“After keeping my head down to show that I am capable of playing week in week out, my chance has come and I feel like I’ve taken it.
“I need to carry on working hard in training and hopefully I can nail down a regular place in the starting line-up because getting more games under my belt will be a huge success for me.”
Bird was particularly pleased to mark his full league debut with a clean sheet and paid tribute to his manager and a fellow centre-back.
“There’s nothing better,” he said. “That’s what you thrive on as a defender and it’s a massive bonus for me.
“I’m enjoying working under Neal Ardley as he’s taken me under his wing and shown me things I can improve on.
“Playing alongside Richard Duffy also helped me on Saturday because he has bags of experience and talks you through the game.”