Northern Ireland teenager Sam Glenfield paid a special tribute to his mum after making his Fleetwood Town debut in the Carabao Cup on Tuesday night.
The 17-year-old came on as a late substitute against Premier League giants Everton at Highbury Stadium.
Glenfield signed a professional deal with Fleetwood after impressing for Portadown, and has also gone on to feature for Northern Ireland's Under 17 and 18 sides.
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Reflecting on his latest milestone with Fleetwood, Glenfield told the club's website: “It was an incredible experience. It was a really good game to come on to against a top side in Everton. It was an end-to-end game and such a good feeling to be part of.
“I found out I was going to be involved in the matchday squad during the week. I was heading into training as usual and the gaffer pulled me to one side and said you’re going to be involved against Everton, and I was absolutely buzzing, I couldn’t get the match or what he had said to me out of my head. I was just delighted he had the faith and trust in me to get me involved in the squad.
“When the gaffer said you’re coming on, I was so excited. I was warming-up on the touchline and with the score only 1-0 to Everton, I was hoping we would get a result and then I come on and I was just buzzing inside, I just wanted to get out there and try and make a difference.
“He [Scott Brown] told me to just go out there and enjoy the occasion and that’s what I did and for me it was such a proud moment.”
Glenfield says he revelled in the experience of going up against Premier League footballers, many of whom he had watched on Match of the Day.
He added: “As a young player, you pick up so much from just watching these players on the side. Their speed, their movement and how they conduct themselves was just great to watch, but then to finally get my nod and play out there for 5-10 minutes, it was just a great feeling and one I will never forget.
“As a young lad, you grew up watching these players on Match of the Day and as I keep saying, it was an incredible experience and delighted to be involved."
Glenfield described Tuesday's Carabao Cup experience as "surreal", and went on to thank his mum who was in attendance at Highbury Stadium.
“It feels just so so surreal. My mum was at the game and straight after the final whistle, I went over to see her," he said.
"She’s been amazing with me as she’s the one who drove me to training every week as well as up and down the country each week so I honestly couldn’t ask for a better mum to help me and see me reach this level.
“She told me she was just very proud of what I have done and gave me a massive hug. It was great to just see her have a smile on her face and that’s another moment I won’t forget."
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