DENTON SAVOURS DREAM DEBUT

DENTON SAVOURS DREAM DEBUT

Young full-back reflects on match-winning strike at Luton Town…

Tyler Denton is hoping his stunning match-winning strike against Luton Town – a moment the young full-back described as “a dream come true” – can kick-start his senior United career following an impressive first-team debut.

The 20-year-old, a lifelong United fan who first joined the Academy aged seven, came into the side for the EFL Cup tie at Kenilworth Road and struck the game’s only goal after 23 minutes – a superb curling effort with the outside of his left boot which whistled into the top corner.

“Words cannot describe how I’m feeling right now,” Denton said after the game.

“To grow up as a kid from six, when my parents were taking me week-in, week-out, to repay them and everyone who has supported me… I can’t describe it.

“It couldn’t have gone any better for me. All of the lads were saying to ease into it and play it simple in the first 10 minutes.

“Then to get the goal was a dream come true. I felt after that I relaxed more and more into the game.

“The goal is a blur really - I just remember Roofey laying it off. I was going to swing my right peg but I decided that might go into the stands! So I hit it with the outside of my left foot.

“It’s my first goal since Under-10s and I had a Tweet from one of the lads saying I don’t even score in training! It just happens.

“I’ll keep replaying it in my head, but I don’t want everyone to remember me just for that. I want to carry on playing for Leeds United and doing well.”

Denton turned professional in 2014 but has edged closer to the senior squad over the summer following Garry Monk’s arrival, with the left-back involved for United’s pre-season tour of Ireland and regularly training with the first team.

“I couldn’t be more grateful,” said Denton. “He (Monk) has always supported me – from day one he’s had me with the first team.

“Even just to be around them and train with them is a great experience – you learn every single day and I think that’s the main thing for me.

“If I’m not going out and getting games on loan, to be around the first-team environment will improve me even more.

“I want to be in the team but I’ll bide my time – it’s a team game. We’ve all got the same aim – to be in and around it by the end of the season, so I’ll just keep going.

“My debut came maybe a bit later than what I might have hoped for, but I always praise Charlie Taylor – he’s different class. I’m not going to argue because I know how good he is.

“I’ve also learnt so much from him. I’ve grown up with him – he’s only a couple of years older than me.

“He’s a calming figure in training - he’ll tell me what to do if I’m doing things right or wrong.”

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