PETER CLARKE called it the best debut he’s ever seen from a teenager.

But while Liam Ridehalgh was more than pleased to accept his captain’s praise, the left-back has spent this week focusing on the future rather than the past.

Having played his part in the 3-1 home win over Charlton, Ridehalgh is hoping for a follow-up opportunity when AFC Bournemouth come to the Galpharm today.

The 19-year-old – one of three of last year’s first-year professionals given new contracts late last season – admits his chance, created by Gary Naysmith’s toe injury, came sooner than expected.

But he’s determined to make the most of the experience, however long it lasts.

“Any young player would say their first-team debut is a big thing, and I was pleased with how it went,” said Ridehalgh, from Southowram, near Halifax, who joined Jack Hunt and Leigh Franks in gaining deals.

“Obviously I went into this season hoping my chance might come at some stage, but I didn’t expect it to be so soon.

“We signed Gary Naysmith in the summer, and he’s a hugely experienced player who has reached international level with Scotland.

“He’s been a massive help to me, both during training and in preparing for last Saturday’s game, and if you can’t learn from someone like him, you never will.

“We’ve also got other senior players who can operate at left-back, so for the manager to choose me against Charlton meant a huge amount.

“The fact that he had faith in me gave me a huge confidence boost, and I went out there determined to keep my composure and give it my best shot.

“The rest of the players were brilliant, helping me settle into things, and I just focused on doing my job to the best of my ability.”

Ridehalgh, who has also played at centre-back for Town’s academy side, had been on the bench at Peterborough seven days previously, when Naysmith was suspended, and says that experience also helped.

“I was 19th man a couple of times last season, and going through the preparations for Peterborough gave me a taste of what to expect against Charlton,” he explained.

“It was a chance to see first hand how the more experienced players get ready physically and mentally, and it was really interesting.”

Boss Lee Clark was quick to praise the way Ridehalgh worked on his own during the close-season, and the player himself said: “I decided I needed to improve my upper body strength.

“I made a point of going to the gym four or five times a week, both to run on a treadmill to improve my general fitness and to do weights do build up my strength, and I’ve felt the benefit.”

And Ridehalgh, with Town since the age of eight and full-time since he was 16, is grateful to development coach Paul Stephenson for his guidance.

“The coaching I’ve had all the way through my time at the club has been excellent,” he said.

“Graham Mitchell was a huge help when I was coming through the academy, and Paul Stephenson has spent a lot of time with me on a one-to-one basis.

“We’ll do extra sessions after the main training, and Paul tells me what I’m doing wrong as well as what I’m doing right.

“It’s a great foundation, and now I want to progress my career, but I know I’m still very much at the learning stage.”