Left-back Rory Coleman admitted that he was surprised to start for United in their Lincolnshire Senior Cup semi-final win over Grimsby Town at Blundell Park on Monday night.

The teenage defender, in his first year as a professional, was named in a team that emerged as 3-0 victors.

Boss Nigel Adkins was always expected to name a strong side for the match, one in which he could only make three substitutions, and it was a big confidence boost for the Yorkshireman to play all 90 minutes against the League Two Mariners.

"It was a shock, yet pleasing to get the call," Coleman told Scunthorpe-United.co.uk.

"I wasn't really expecting to play to be honest. I felt I'd done okay in the first three games but I'm just pleased the manager gave me the chance to play 90 minutes.

"I try to impress as much as I can and I hope I've shown the fans what I can do.

"I just want to develop as much as I can this season. Then take it as it comes. I just want to keep improving and then see what the manager says."

Coleman has appeared in all four pre-season matches so far and has won acclaim from the supporters and coaching staff.

"I've had a good response from everyone I've spoken to about how I've done this pre-season," he continued.

"Of course, there are elements of my game I can work on and I will do that.

"it's helped with Marcus (Williams) being out injured, although I'd rather everyone was available.

"Myself and Ian Morris seem to have been swapping in the position, playing a half each in the other friendlies and we've both done okay."

United were comfortable victors over Grimsby on Monday and the score could have been by a much greater margin.

"There was a step-up in class from the teams who we have been playing," Coleman added.

"Grimsby are a League Two side and although they named a mixed team you could tell they were professional.

"They tested us at times but we scored three good goals and could have had more.

"At least we're creating chances though, and that's positive for us going into the season."

The team travel to Jersey for a pre-season training camp on Tuesday and will stay there until Sunday, playing one game and building camaraderie.

"it will be a nice week and it will be good for us to get away," Coleman commented. "We're flying down from Doncaster on Tuesday and I'm sure we will all enjoy it.

"I haven't had my initiation yet but I'm sure it's coming.

"I think myself, Jake (Picton), Niall (Canavan) and Matt (Godden) have all got off to good starts in our first season as professionals and we're really pleased with how it's going so far.

"Pre-season has been hard. It's definitely harder than a youth team pre-season, but I'm enjoying it a lot and it's good to work hard and get as fit as I can."