Academy scholars Marcel McIntosh and Murphy Bennett shared their thoughts after making first-team debuts for Rob Edwards’ side on Tuesday against Brighton and Hove Albion U21s in the Papa John’s Trophy.

It was a successful week for both players from the FGR Academy, with Marcel being handed a starting place in the eleven and Murphy coming into the game off the back of a training camp with Wales’ U18 side.

“I was absolutely buzzing to make my debut,” 17-year-old McIntosh said.

“It’s great that the manager trusts me to go into the squad and I’m happy to have had the chance to get on the pitch and prove what I can do - hopefully it’ll help me to get some more time on the pitch for the first team.

“It was a great experience (to play alongside some of the first-team players.) They helped me get through it a lot. I love playing with them and I’ve trained with them quite regularly, so I’m building new bonds within the squad and it’s fantastic for me.”

McIntosh was handed MOTM for an impressive display as a part of the back-three on his first occasion in the Rovers’ shirt, and spoke of his delight upon receiving the award.

“I can’t describe the feeling to get MOTM on my first game for the club, I’m absolutely over the moon," he said.

“To nearly play a whole ninety was a great experience for me. The fans were amazing, they’ve backed me the whole game was and to get the applause that I did when I came off, it’s just an amazing feeling.

“Everything has just gone so quick from my first year to my second year as a scholar and I haven’t got any time to waste. I’ve got to stamp my ground and prove why I deserve to be in the squad.”

Just days after returning for Wales, Bennett was thrown straight into the matchday squad against Brighton – making his first appearance for the club from the bench in the 84th minute.

“It was a good few days away with Wales, so to come back and go into the first-team squad, I was over the moon to get on and for Rob to give me the opportunity it was a dream come true.

“It just gives you a bit of a taste of what you can have if you work hard, but we’ve got to go back to training and keep working hard to get more opportunities with the first team."

Full of praise for his Wales counterparts, the 16-year-old explained how his experiences with the national team helped him to integrate into the first team on Tuesday night.

“I’ve got a great bond with most of the lads at Wales, but after not seeing them for a period and then going back in to train with a new set of lads, it’s really helped when I go up to the first team and play with them.

“I kept on talking to Dom throughout the game, who was great with guiding me and I’m very thankful for all of the lads tonight."

Bennett was adamant that he would make the most of his maiden appearance in a Rovers shirt, using it to push on further as a player.

“I’m just going to cherish the moment. You only get one debut, which I’m going to use to fuel myself and hopefully make the most of it.”