AFC’s rookie keeper was calmer than his dad when the youngster revealed he would be making his full debut against Southend.
Joe McDonnell even slept a dreamless sleep despite 24 hours to dwell on his selection in place of crocked James Shea.
And now the 20-year-old wants to build on his first senior clean sheet, kept pristine at the second attempt in a 0-0 draw.
York for the fourth time this season awaits his team on Saturday after two FA Cup ties and a league match - although it will be a first for McDonnell.
He said: “I’ve been to every game against York. Now I’ll be playing rather than watching from the sidelines.
“Players will have their battles when they come up the same person again.
“If they lost it last time they’ll want to win it and vice versa.
“Sheasy has been unbelievable this season, and it will be hard to knock him off his perch, but i’ve got to try and do my best. Hopefully, that will give me a name.”
McDonnell came on as a sub against Shrewsbury last month, but was ironically more nervous than against Southend, even though he had seconds to think about it before pulling on gloves.
Any remaining nerves against play-off hopefuls Southend disappeared as soon as he made a great block with his legs from a Barry Corr shot early on.
“Soon as I touched the ball for the first time the nerves disappear,” he said. “The crowd cheers and you get a little buzz.
“I think I coped well and want do it again on Saturday.”
As soon as Shea’s fractured ankle from Saturday's 1-0 defeat at Hartlepool was confirmed at training Monday, O'Donnell texted his dad to let him know he was in the side.
“He was trying to act calm about it, but luckily, I slept well, and in that respect of remaining calm, I do quite well.”
