Debutant Osaze Urhoghide spoke of the surprise and excitement at making his Wednesday debut at Brighton today … while manager Garry Monk paid tribute to the hard work the young defender has displayed to get to this stage.
Nineteen-year-old Urhoghide was freed by AFC Wimbledon at the end of last season and had trials with Wednesday in the summer before we offered him a contract, since when he has been playing regularly with the under-23s.
Urhoghide said: “When the gaffer told me I was starting, I was surprised but what a stage to make my debut. I am so happy.
“Plus getting the win as well and the clean sheet after the run we’ve been in … it’s just a dream come true.”
He added: “I got my chance today and I took it. It’s just great.
“I knew I was travelling with the team but then the manager told me yesterday that he was going to start me. I just want to thank him for putting his trust in me and starting me straightaway.
“I’m glad to have paid him back by helping with the win and the clean sheet.”
His dad and brother both travelled down from London to watch his debut and Urhoghide added: ” I won’t let this go to my head, I need to push on for more and maybe get my Championship debut.
“I will work hard in training and try to play the next game if possible.”
Manager Monk said: “We’ve been really pleased with him, he’s been training with us a lot, as a lot of the other youngsters have.
“I like what I’ve seen, along with a few of the other youngsters, and he deserved that. He should be very proud of himself today, there is nothing quite like seeing a young lad make his debut and start his journey with the club,
“He should be very proud of himself and the club should be very proud of him, I’m delighted for him.
“I like his attitude, I felt he deserved that today … and he got his rewards for his performance and through his hard work. It should be an inspiration to the other younger players at the club – and to himself.”