Ryan Shotton admits it was a 'magical' experience to make his home debut for Stoke City in Saturday's 1-1 FA Cup third round draw against Cardiff City.After making only his second start for the Potters, the 22-year-old told BBC Radio Stoke: "It's a magical feeling.
"I was really nervous as you can imagine, as a local lad making my debut. But to hear the crowd and see my family there watching was brilliant."
Shotton's only previous start came in a Carling Cup tie at Orient last season.
The young defender has never featured in the Premier League for the Potters.
But he has made 63 league starts in separate loan spells at Tranmere Rovers and Barnsley, having also previously spent a season-long loan at non-league Altrincham.
Before I came back, I don't think the club was too keen on allowing players from the academy to go out on loan
Stoke City manager Tony Pulis
"I'm pleased for Shotton," Potters manager Tony Pulis told BBC Radio Stoke. "I thought he did really well. He showed some good composure.
"We're very pleased that another young player has come into the team and done really well.
"Before I came back to the club, I don't think the club was too keen on allowing players from the Academy to go out on loan.
"But young players should go out and play as early as they possibly can and Ryan's done that. He's got some experience.
"He obviously needs a lot more, but he's shown that he's a good prospect for us."
Stoke now face a third round replay at the Cardiff City Stadium next Tuesday night (18 January, 1945 GMT), with the prospect of a fourth round trip to either Doncaster or Wolverhampton.
Tuncay equalised for Stoke at the Britannia Stadium after Michael Chopra had given the Championship side an early lead.
Source: BBC Sport
Source: BBC Sport