Joe Lolley aims to make a big impact at Huddersfield Town in these next few months of the season.

The 21-year-old signing from Kidderminster Harriers made his debut as a substitute in last Saturday’s 5-1 derby defeat by Leeds United at Elland Road.

While the circumstances could not have been more testing, as first impressions go Lolley deserves a massive pat on the back.Sent on by manager Mark Robins for his first taste of League football when the tide had already turned inexorably against Town, Lolley caught the eye with his speed, skill and willingness to take on the home defence.

The man who is on a rapid rise from the lower reaches of non-league football, in fact, took the step up to Championship level in his stride and that’s massively encouraging for Robins and everyone at the club following their £300,000 investment.

“Obviously the result against Leeds was nowhere near what we wanted but, from a personal point of view, getting the chance to make my debut in such a big game was great,” he said.

“To be honest, I enjoyed every minute apart from the result and I thought I did okay, because that’s the way I like to play.

“I like to get the ball and be as direct as possible and I was pleased with the way it went for me, although the outcome was not what you would want for your debut.

“The only thing is it’s made us all the more determined to bounce back against Wigan.”

Redditch-born Lolley was at Birmingham’s Academy until the age of 16. He then joined Bromsgrove, but it was at Midland Combination side Littleton – under the managerial eye of his mother’s partner – where he shone.

He earned a summer switch to Kidderminster on a one-year contract after scoring 88 goals in 83 games for  Littleton – and he hasn’t been fazed by moving so quickly up the football pyramid.“

It’s been good since I came to Town and all the lads have been very good to me and helped me settle in quickly,” explained Lolley, who has moved to Lindley.

“I have really enjoyed it and, now that I’ve had a taste of playing at first-team level, hopefully I can kick on and get some more game time.”

Joe Lolley puts a shot past Jason Pearce
Joe Lolley puts a shot past Jason Pearce

So was he nervous going on at Elland Road in front of 30,000-plus when events were conspiring against Town?

“No, I wasn’t nervous at all because it happened so quickly,” he smiled.

“One moment the gaffer told me I was going on and the next I was stripped and out there on the pitch without even thinking about it. I really enjoyed it.”

Boss Robins has been pleased with what he’s seen of Lolley on the training ground and, in turn, the player has adapted as well as could be expected.

“Even though it wasn’t at the same standard as at Town, we still trained day in and day out at Kidderminster, so I’ve been used to the daily routine,” he said.

“I think I’m probably still getting used to the pace and quality of training here, but I think I’m coping well and I am hoping to make an impact in the first team this season.

“I haven’t found it difficult stepping up. When I moved from Littleton to Kidderminster it felt the same and now from Kiddy to here it’s no different. I’m just playing football and that’s all I want to do.

“I just play they way I have always approached the game – keep it all the same – and hopefully in the rest of the season I can kick on from here and make that impact.”

The only disappointment for Lolley last week was that none of his immediate family were there, but they are due at the John Smith’s today and he hopes to be involved.

“Leeds was the only game no-one was able to get to,” he said, “but I’ve had lots of good luck messages and everyone was pleased.

“To play against a big club like Leeds with a lot of former Premier League players was a terrific experience and it’ll be the same against Wigan, because they’ve just come down from the top level, so I’m looking forward to it.

“It will be great to play in front of our home crowd – the Wigan game will be my first opportunity if I’m picked – and hopefully we can come out with the win we all want.”