Ronaldo Vieira hailed "the best week I’ve ever had" after making his senior debut at Preston North End - just two days after agreeing his first professional contract with the club.
The 17-year-old stepped off the bench during the final stages of Saturday’s season-closing draw at Deepdale, having only penned a two-year deal at Thorp Arch the Thursday before.
Reflecting on whirlwind few days, the young midfielder said: “It’s been absolutely amazing, it’s everything I dreamed of.
“It’s the best week I’ve ever had – signing my pro deal on Thursday and then making my debut on Saturday.
“I found out about my pro just over a month ago and then I found out about my debut on Friday.
“At first I got told I was going to train with the first-team, then my coach came and told me there was a possibility that I might be on the bench.
“Then the manager told me while I was training that I was going travel. It’s been unbelievable.
“I joined the club just over a year ago and I think I’ve worked hard, but I’m not going to stop. You have to keep working hard.”
Asked about his style of play, Vieira added: “I would say I’m a sitting midfielder that sits in front of the centre-halves and tries to make the team play, but I’ve been playing a bit higher up with the Under-21s and I think I’ve done alright there.”