Alfie Lewis could not contain his delight at playing a large role in West Ham United's 3-1 friendly win against neighbours Dagenham & Redbridge.
The 18-year-old was given the nod by manager David Moyes to play in midfield in Wednesday's contest, marking his first appearance for the senior side at the Club.
Lewis would play the full 90 minutes in the fundraising friendly against the Daggers, earning praise for a mature performance in the centre of the park.
"I'm delighted," Lewis confirmed to whufc.com: "It was a good experience for me tonight, to play with the likes of Patrice Evra, and Mark Noble in midfield. It was a good challenge and a good test for us as well, and I think I did well."
It was a good experience for me tonight, to play with the likes of Patrice Evra, and Mark Noble in midfield...I think I did well.
Alfie Lewis
The youngster's appearance for Moyes's senior team comes after Lewis spent a lengthy period on the sidelines in 2017 with a knee injury, with the midfielder out of action for almost eight months.
Lewis returned to playing in December and, after two appearances in Premier League 2 for the U23s and seven outings at U18s level this campaign, the teenager admits he was thrilled to get the nod in Wednesday's match.
The youngster was also happy with his side's overall performance in the contest, with a pair of finishes from Michail Antonio and Jordan Hugill's first goal for the Irons securing the 3-1 win.
Lewis continued: "I got told yesterday I would be playing, and yeah I was really excited. I've been thinking about it. I was given a chance and hopefully I took it.
"I think we moved the ball quite well on the pitch. We stopped them, especially during their aerial duels in the box. We stopped them and we took our chances as well. It was a good performance."
Despite impressing on his first outing for the first team, Lewis is concentrating on becoming a regular in Terry Westley's U23s side first before contemplating a competitive appearance for West Ham this season.
"I just want to play for the U23s really and train with the first team a few times. I'm not sure about a competitive first team appearance yet. I'm not the one to answer that but we will see."