Joe making the most of Reds opportunity

ACCRINGTON Stanley goalkeeper Joe Bursik achieved a lifelong dream by making his League

One debut recently - and he hopes his run in the side doesn’t come to an end any time soon.

Bursik was picked by Coleman in the 4-1 win over Portsmouth, and kept hold of the number one shirt last weekend as his side drew 1-1 away to Doncaster Rovers.

The 19-year-old is on a season-long loan at the Wham Stadium from Championship side Stoke City, and he’s discussed just how much it meant to him to play for the Reds.

“It was massive, and it’s a moment that I’ve been waiting for since I was a kid. I was really excited more than anything and on the Friday night, I just couldn’t wait for the Saturday afternoon,” he told the club’s official website.

“When it came I was just as focused as I would expect myself to be and I got out there and enjoyed every minute really. I didn’t really want it to end to be honest.

“I’m happy with how I’ve dealt with not playing during the first couple of months, it was quite tough being young. It’s the first time I’ve moved away from home and the first time I’ve lived on my own, so it was tough.

“Hopefully I can keep doing what I’m doing and we can go from there. Between us goalkeepers, we’ve all got that mutual respect for each other, so it’s in my nature to always work hard and give my all in anything I do.

“Everyone’s in the same boat, we’re all young and wanting to get games. You try and go where’s best for you at the time and where you can get the most minutes to develop.

“Last season I dropped into non-league which

I’m grateful for because I met some great people and I learnt a lot of stuff about the game and developed a lot as a player.”