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Nottingham Post
Nottingham Post
Sport
Oliver King

Tiernan Brooks makes transfer admission and Notts County vow

With a quick check of his hair before settling down to chat ahead of Notts County's fixture with Eastleigh on Tuesday night, there was an air of confidence surrounding young Tiernan Brooks - and that is beginning to show on the football pitch.

The 20-year-old made his Magpies debut two weeks ago away to Bromley, producing quite the first-half display at Hayes Lane as he deputised for the injured Sam Slocombe.

And the weekend's 3-1 victory over Dorking Wanderers saw the Notts goalkeeper make his home league debut in front of over 7000 fans inside Meadow Lane, with those in attendance welcoming a potential future number one with open arms.

READ MORE: Macaulay Langstaff 'hungry for more' despite netting eighth Notts County brace as goal records loom

But it has not all been plain sailing for Brooks, having to bide his time for his first-team opportunity, spending time on loan at Hednesford Town and Boston United before making his way back to Trentside.

"It has done me the world of good and has helped tick me over," explained Brooks on the importance of his two loan moves this season.

"Step three was not the route I wanted to go through straight away because I did that last season, but at that moment in time, that is what the market wanted and what was available to me.

"It keeps you ready, keeps everything flowing and it was really the experience I needed."

The opportunity presented at the gloves of the 20-year-old has come at a crucial point of the campaign, with nine games left to try and reduce Wrexham's four-point lead at the summit.

With boss Luke Williams confirming that his regular number one is set to return to training in the coming days, Brooks explained that he will continue to give his all for the time he is in the starting XI.

"There is that and that's just me taking it game by game - obviously I want to give the best performance I can and help the team, but like I have said previously it is what the team wants and the team needs, and if the gaffer thinks a different route is the best way to get and the best thing for the team."

The encounter with Marc White's side at the weekend was described as the biggest crowd Brooks had ever played in front of during his short professional career.

While nerves are to be expected making your home debut, Brooks explained the fans inside Meadow Lane provided that matchday excitement and something he is desperate to relish during his time in the first-team.

"It gives you that bit of buzz because I was very nervous making my debut at Meadow Lane, but it gives you that confidence knowing that the fans are behind you so you can give it all you can give."

His two appearances in the National League have provided several encouraging moments - a penalty save eight minutes into his debut, a string of pivotal saves, along with starting a sweeping move that led to Matty Palmer's finish late on against Dorking.

But something that has eluded him thus far is that first clean sheet, something he is keen to rectify against Eastleigh, with encouragement from one of the back three in front of him.

"It would be brilliant - Connell (Rawlinson) said to me earlier that he wants a clean sheet, we all need the clean sheet."

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