Foster: I'm just thankful for this opportunity

Iron goalkeeper Owen Foster has reflected on a ‘proud day’ as the 17-year-old made his first team debut during the Iron’s 1-1 draw with Hartlepool United last Saturday afternoon.

Keith Hill’s side had taken the lead in the game thanks to Cameron Wilson’s opener, but were pegged back as Nicky Featherstone equalised from the spot. 

Having only recently signed professional terms with United, the Hull born shot-stopper was honoured to start during the team’s final home league game this season, having only began a two-year scholarship with the club's academy last summer.

"It was a great feeling," began our number 34.

"It’s all I’ve ever worked towards to be a footballer and to make my debut, I’m just thankful and grateful to the gaffer for this opportunity.

"I was excited to get out but I never expected to play. I’ve always prepared to play but never expected to."

With Foster called into action multiple times during the 90 minutes, the teenager denied forward Omar Bogle terrifically, admitting he himself was proud of keeping the then score at 1-0.

“Every time we tend to do an interview after, I seem to do the save of my life. That one I have tipped onto the post is one of the best saves I think I ever done," he said.

Being yet another of the club's academy talents to make the step-up into the first team this campaign, the 17-year-old relished the opportunity and insisted the game will live long in the memory for not only him, but his family in the crowd too.

“It was great with the saves. I was enjoying it a lot more when we were 1-0 up and obviously with the penalty it’s a little bit frustrating because he’s done me down the middle. I just enjoyed the full game," he added.

"Before the game I was thinking I hope I don’t have a lot to do, just keep it at that side of the pitch. But for the game to have happened how it’s happened I wouldn’t have changed it. Apart from the goal obviously.

"I’m going to try and get as many games under my belt as I can. I need to keep performing in the games as well and prove it wasn’t just a one off. It makes me proud knowing my dad’s watching on as it’s all he’s ever dreamed of too.”

With United’s final game of the season a trip to Bristol Rovers this weekend, Foster admits he is hungry for me and will continue to make steps forward in the upcoming summer months, with preparations well underway already.

"I think it’s a big learning curve and it’s a big step up for my confidence as well. The hard work carries on and we’ll have to see where it takes me," he concluded.