DEBUTANT Miguel Carvalho was unaware he would be included in the starting line-up on the morning of the game.
Fast forward a few hours and the 17-year-old went on to create history as the youngest Jersey Bull to score a hat-trick for the club.
The forward admitted he ‘was nervous’ but soon settled into his role once he got a few touches.
‘I was just happy to make my debut,’ he said.
‘But then to go on and score three was an incredible feeling.
‘The nerves were there, but once I got on the ball a couple of times, I soon settled. Then when the first goal went in, I really started to just play my own game.
Carvalho, is a St Paul’s product, and one of many to benefit from added opportunities in the first team.
Several members of the side were lost once the Bulls formed, which created chances for the stars of tomorrow to play senior football.
Both Sammy Henia Kamau and Carvalho, have become regulars in the St Paul’s first team, something that is not lost on the new Bull.
‘We [St Paul’s] have been struggling for numbers, so all of the younger players that are 16 and over can progress and play senior football.
‘For me, getting used to how physically demanding games are at senior level has certainly helped my progression and maybe even sped it along.
‘I am really happy at the moment with how things are going and I am just aiming to cement my place in this team.
It was Carvalho’s impression in training that forced manager Gary Freeman’s hand when selecting his starting XI.
‘Training with us a couple of nights ago, he performed exactly like he did out there today,’ said Freeman.
‘I probably didn’t have him starting before that session, but the way he worked he deserved his chance and if he continues to perform like he has just done, he’s going to get chances.
‘He was brilliant out there and has a special ability to beat a man in tight spaces, full credit to him because he got a chance and took it.
Freeman has brought in added ammunition following the departure of club record scorer Sol Soloman, while also increasing the opportunities for some of the Bulls u23 members.
He said: ‘I think a couple of weeks ago we were caught a bit short in terms of personell, with Lorne [Bickley] and Fraser [Barlow] out.
‘We have made a conscious effort to get the younger lads more involved and obviously brought in Harrison [Moon], who is a brilliant player and has a lot of experience in Combination football for Grouville.
‘You can clearly see how much the JFA Football pathway has helped these lads and with us, it is just an opportunity to continue that path beyond.
‘All of these players have benefitted from how strong the club football is over here and now with our u18 and u23 teams, there is a clear progression for everyone and places to fight for.’
