After making his first-team debut for Everton against Krasnodar on Thursday, 17-year-old Ryan Ledson spoke of his pride and delight to have featured.
Speaking to evertontv, Ledson said: “It was an unbelievable experience. I’ve been here since I was five and it has been 12 years of hard work to get here but it has paid off and it’s an unbelievable achievement.
“Obviously, I was a bit nervous to start off with as everyone would be, but I thought I got better as the game went on.
“It has been quite tense the past couple of weeks knowing it could happen but I’ve just kept my head down, worked hard in training and I’ve got the opportunity.
“It’s been a great year for me and hopefully 2015 can be even better.
“I’m made up for the likes of Longy [Chris Long], who is a good mate of mine to come on and get his debut. Gethin [Jones] and Kieran [Dowell], who is a little bit younger than me, as well.
“It’s unbelievable to be in the same dressing room as the likes of Samuel Eto’o, Gareth Barry, Bainesy, Jags – they’re all helping me and it’s a great experience.”