It was a proud moment for everybody associated with FGR Academy as 17-year-olds Zach McKenzie and Keon Sanniola made their professional debuts.

The defensive duo came on in the latter stages of the game at Cambridge. McKenzie has featured in a number of matchday squads in recent months and has been training full-time with the first-team, but these were his first competitive minutes in a Rovers shirt.

"I'm buzzing, it was great," said McKenzie. "I've been on the bench a bit recently, so it's good to get minutes.

"I got my chance. The gaffer said to me that there was a big chance it could happen today. It's great to do it alongside Keon as well."

Left-sided defender Sanniola added: "I came on at the end and it was just all about enjoying the experience. It was about trying to get comfortable and familiar with the game

"Everyone's a lot quicker and a lot stronger in men's football. It's not just the physical side, it's the stuff in your head as well. You need to think a lot quicker."

McKenzie and Sanniola don't want to stop here. Now that they've had a taste of first-team football, they want to stay there.

Both players want to use pre-season as an opportunity to impress Duncan Ferguson and the backroom team.

"Pre-season is coming up and I'm ready for that," said McKenzie. "I'm going to keep working hard over the summer and hopefully I'll get in the squad.

"I've learned a lot since training with the first-team, how you act around the place and it's just a step up from academy football."

"One thing I will say is Forest Green always want to give academy players a chance," Sanniola continued. "Hopefully we'll get more chances in League Two. Hopefully we can train regularly and get some chances next season."