Newcastle United goalkeeper Rob Elliot has admitted his delight after making his Premier League debut against Southampton at the weekend.
The 26-year-old, who joined the club from Charlton Athletic in 2011, deputised for first-choice stopper Tim Krul in the 4-2 win over the Saints.
"I've played a few games this year in Europe and the cups, which has been nice. But to play in the Premier League is the top one, the one you want to put against your name," he said in the Daily Express.
"If you'd told me six years ago that I would make my Premier League debut for Newcastle at St James', I wouldn't have believed you. It was a good day. I've finally got the opportunity and I want to make the most of it.
"I just wanted to show everyone what I could do. The gaffer said to me, 'Make sure you play your game and don't try and do anything you normally wouldn't'. It paid off."
Elliot had previously been restricted to Europa League and cup appearances.
