JOE SKARZ was back training with Town's youth team today after making a Football League debut he described as "a massive thrill."

The 17-year-old left-back from Netherton (right) played a full part in Saturday's 1-1 draw against Scunthorpe and will return to action tomorrow night when the Under 18s visit Grimsby in the first round of the FA Youth Cup (7.30).

It's a busy schedule, especially with a senior FA knockout tie against Blackpool next on the agenda at the Galpharm, but Skarz is keeping his feet on the ground.

"I didn't sleep very well on Friday and I was a bit nervous before the game, but I thought I did all right and I was pleased with myself," said Skarz, son of CID officer Keith, whose family hail from Austria.

"Everyone told me to keep things simple and do what I've been doing in the Academy and Reserves, and all the lads were brilliant with me both during training and the game.

"The lad I was marking was quick and, in the last 10 minutes he got round me a few times, but I'll deal with that through experience and I just want to push on now.

"This call-up has come earlier than I thought - I was hoping I might make a squad after Christmas - but now I just want to do as well as I can and try and earn a contract from the gaffer."

He added: "I had a lot of texts and calls from my mates before the game, which was great, and my dad was a big help. I'm just glad I got in my crosses and free-kicks and made a decent contribution."