Norwich City Academy goalkeeper Joe Rose made his Under-23s debut against Reading on Monday night, making the jump from the Under-18s.
Speaking on his debut, Rose said it was a dream come true, and hopefully the beginning of more regular features in the squad.
“My debut was a really great achievement for myself and my family are very proud too. It’s a dream come true, as a kid being a big fan of the club, to finally get closer to something I’ve always wanted to do. It’s special.
“It was mentioned a few days before that I might be starting in the game for the Under-23s, and then I was properly told I’d be in the starting lineup the day before the game.
“I was definitely nervous, being my first game in the Under-23s, and in a stadium too. The other regular players helped me get into the game, and soon as we started the nerves wore off."
Making an U23s debut at such a young age is one big milestone, but it’s another keeping a clean sheet. Speaking on his performance, Rose said:
“I thought I had a good game, here and there I could have been tidier with it, but it’s a clean sheet so that’s all we’ve got to look for at the end of the day.
“I hope this is just the start and I get to play more in the Under-23s.”
Rose wasn’t the only one pleased with his performance, Head Coach David Wright was just as impressed, saying he was ready to bridge the gap from U18s to U23s:
“It’s Joe’s first start for the Under-23s, so it’s great for him. I think it’s the first time in a long time that a scholar has played for the Under-23s, so it shows that if we think they’re ready, we’ll put them in to play.”
You can read David Wright’s full post-match interview here.