IT WASN'T all doom and gloom for Brentford at Pride Park last night, according to debutant Alfie Mawson.
A Bees side made up of second string and youth players were dumped out of the Capital One Cup 5-0 by Derby County, leading to criticism in some quarters for boss Uwe Rosler's team selection.
But Mawson, one of two players to make their Brentford debut, along with Josh Clarke, reckons it was a worthy gamble.
He said: “It was amazing and I'm delighted to have made my debut at a place like this. It's a bit different to playing at the training ground in Osterley – the pitch was like a carpet, and there were a few more people.
“Hopefully the start of things to come. I hope to be involved again this season, perhaps in the JPT, or I will have to think about other possibilities. I enjoyed my loan spell at Maidenhead, but this is where I want to make it.
“I think Josh Clarke will make it if he keeps his head down. He is so quick and used his pace brilliantly, getting in two dangerous crosses within the first five minutes, but he is so relaxed and treated it like a stroll in the park.”
While Clarke started the game and played the full 90 minutes, Mawson had to wait until the 70 th minute for his debut, when he came on as a sub for Sam Saunders.
He added: “I found out I would be in the squad a couple of days beforehand, but it was a bit of a surprise when I came on as I didn't think the gaffer would make a change at centre-back.
“He said just go and enjoy yourself, to try and get on the ball and don't try to overcomplicate things, but once you're out there it's a totally different world.
“He's not said anything about my future, but I rather he didn't – it's down to me, and he will help if he can.”
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