Jarrad Branthwaite has described his emotions after scoring his first Everton goal against Chelsea and opened up on the journey he has had to that position.
The centre-back was a surprise addition to the starting line-up for the trip to Stamford Bridge earlier in the month, with Rafa Benitez's options seriously depleted by injuries and illness.
Those who took to the pitch admirably rallied together, however, and secured a 1-1 draw against Thomas Tuchel's squad thanks to Branthwaite turning in a brilliant cross from Anthony Gordon.
Looking back on the strike, the defender has admitted he can't remember too much about his celebration in particular.
He said: "I couldn’t tell you what was going through my head when I scored at Chelsea last week, only that there was a release of pure emotion.
"I remember my knee slide and looking up to see the fans going barmy. That’s it.
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"My dad called when we were on the bus home and it was brilliant to have that time talking to him.
"My goal added the icing on the cake, my first in the Premier League.
"The manager said to enjoy the moment but was also telling me things I could have improved on, like not being too narrow in the back-three. Giving me pointers."
Branthwaite also looked back to his time as a youngster in the Carlisle setup.
The defender learned a lot about pressure when injury kept him out for 18 months, around the time that a decision was to be made over his scholarship with the club.
"When I was around 14, I suffered with Osgood-Schlatter disease," he continued.
"The condition causes inflammation just beneath the knee, where the tendon from the kneecap attaches to the shinbone. It is often caused by growth spurts and that was the case with me.
"I was out for 12-18 months, on and off, and couldn’t run for a lot of that period.
"When it came to decision-time for scholarships, Carlisle said I had six weeks to show them how much I wanted it – and that I was good enough.
"I learned a bit about pressure early on, then."
Branthwaite moved on loan in the second half of last season to Blackburn, but injury cut his time with the Championship club short.
There was an initial feeling that the Blues might move the defender to another temporary club in the upcoming transfer window in an attempt to get him more game time.
However, the teenager has admitted he would rather stay at Everton and show Benitez what he is capable of.
He added: "I've been patient to get that first-team chance at Everton. I just felt I should go out there and prove that I am good enough. Hopefully I have done that.
"Young players need to play but obviously I would much rather stay at Everton and play games and keep showing the manager what I'm capable of. I'm willing to do it, I'm good enough to do it.
"All the young players here have the ability. They are top players. It is up to the manager whether he gives us the chance.
"You could see against Chelsea, myself, Ellis (Simms), Lewis (Dobbin) and Anthony - we all got on the pitch and showed what we can do. We just have to prove we are good enough to be out there.
"I think the manager will enjoy working with us as much as we do. He can bring all his knowledge to develop our game.
"To be coached by one of the best in the world is massive."
