Sam Parker buzzing after making Swansea City debut

Sam Parker could not hide his delight and excitement after the academy product made his senior Swansea City debut in the draw at Coventry City.

The 17-year-old signed his first professional deal with the club back in August and had featured in the matchday squad on a handful of occasions this season, but was handed his first-team bow by caretaker head coach Alan Sheehan at the CBS Arena.

Parker, who began his journey with the Swans at under-nine level, played 75 minutes, and came agonisingly close to marking his debut with an assist as his powerful run and accurate cross ended with Yannick Bolasie firing over the bar.

The teenager received a great reception from the away support as he left the field and, while Parker admitted his selection had come as a shock, he loved every moment of the experience

“I’m buzzing, all of the hard work has finally paid off, it’s just amazing to have got my first start, it was an amazing experience," he said.

“I couldn’t stop smiling when I was told that I’d be starting, it was kind of a shock because I wasn’t expecting it, I was just buzzing, a little bit nervous but it was really good.

“I didn’t feel much pressure on me with it being my first start, I just went out there and enjoyed myself, I think I did well and I could have got an assist, which would have really topped it off.

“I’ve learned so much from everyone, the tempo of football is so different, and off the pitch I’ve learned so much as a person and gained so much.

“It was amazing hearing the fans, too. It’s what you work for. As I was walking off just hearing them chant for me put a smile on my face, and the most important thing is we ended up getting a result for them."