WHATEVER happens in the rest of Matthew Young's career, he'll never forget his League debut with Town.

It came against Walsall at the Galpharm in October, when he went on for Danny Schofield in the final minute with Town leading 3-1.

He was on the pitch for over two minutes in total with added time - but never managed to touch the ball!

Now, Young - who started in the LDV Vans Trophy defeat at Boston - is again aiming to challenge for the first-team squad, having earned a place on the bench against Gillingham last month and playing well in the Reserves right up to this week's 1-1 draw at Rotherham.

He's itching to get another chance on the senior stage - and to play a much bigger part than last time!

"My main ambition is to get another contract for next season," said Young.

"If I don't manage to play for the first team then hopefully I can show in the Reserves that I'm worth another deal and push on from there.

"It's been pleasing to hear the manager has said some encouraging things about me and, if I keep doing well in the Reserves, then hopefully he will give me my chance when he feels I'm ready for it."

Young, who scored twice against Grimsby Reserves the week before last, believes he can add a valuable commodity - goals from central midfield.

"I feel I'm always developing as a player and, obviously, since I came into the youth team at 16 my game has come on quite a bit," he explained.

"I feel I've learned a lot and, while I've played as a full-back, a winger and a striker, I'm hoping I'll get the chance to play in central midfield a lot more often. That's where I want to play and I actually think I would score more goals from that position than from playing up front.

"That's just the way my game is and, if I get the chance to play in the middle, I think I'll push on most from there.

"I am a box-to-box player. That's how I see myself and I would love to play in that central role with Town.

"Ever since I was eight (in Leeds) I've been moved around by managers, but I've never really enjoyed playing up front and I think I've got more to offer in midfield."

So what about that incredible debut?

"I was delighted just to get on the pitch, especially with it being at home and in front of a big crowd (11,642)," said Young.

"I remember Andy Holdsworth shouting to Jon Worthington to get the ball out wide to me so that I could get a touch but, unfortunately, it never happened. The ref blew before the ball came near me.

"As you can imagine, I got a lot of stick in training on the following Monday.

"The gaffer told everyone he'd reviewed the video and that I'd made some great runs off the ball, and all the lads were taking the mickey. All I would say is that it wasn't the longest debut ever and, while I didn't touch the ball, the appearance still counts, it's there in the record books and I will always remember it."

Young admits the holiday period was frustratrating because there were no fixtures for the Reserves, which is why he was so happy to be in the 16 against Ronnie Jepson's tough Gillingham in the first match of this year.

He also travelled with the senior side to Stamford Bridge and Scunthorpe and has had plenty of encouragement from seeing his mates do well.

"It's great to be training with the first team, but all you want to do is play matches, so it can get a bit frustrating when you are watching all the time," he said.

"I've been delighted to play in this run of Reserve games that we've had and it's a shame we haven't got another coming up next week.

"But I'm obviously hoping I can get another chance with the first team and make a mark, like a lot of the others have done.

"People like Nathan Clarke and Jon Worthington were in the youth team when I first played as a 16-year-old and I've always looked up to them. It's great to see them skippering the side in all these big games and, when I'm on the training field with them, they are always offering advice and encouraging me.

"Hopefully, I can follow in their footsteps in the not too distant future and maybe get in the first team alongside them."