Jack netted in front of family just eight minutes into debut
YOUNG Jack Butterfill said scoring on his professional debut in front of his family was the ‘biggest moment of his career’ so far.
The 18-year-old striker was signed from Leicester City in the summer and immediately began scoring for the under 21s.
There’s always a worry young forwards won’t be able to convert their form in the academy into the senior squad, but on Tuesday night Butterfill did just that.
Coming on in the 70th minute for highly-rated Fabio Jalo, Butterfill took just eight minutes to open his professional account.
He said: “I was given the opportunity to come on and show what I can do and I’m happy to grab a goal that put the team in front.
“It wasn’t too bad, all my goals this season have been one touch so I was just in and around the six yard box trying to tap it in.”
The youngster said he signed for the Reds due to their ambition to play youth as much as possible.
He had been on trial with the club late last season.
“It’s great, even the challenge moving up here itself has been great,” he added.
“All the lads and all the staff have been amazing and I couldn’t really wish for anything better.
“It’s good for the club promoting the youth which is great for myself and my teammates. I knew they pushed youth through so I hope to get picked for league games as well as cup games.
“Progressing as much as I can in the under 23s and scoring as many as I can and then pushing for the first team is the aim.”
Many of Jack’s family were at the game on Tuesday – and he couldn’t have picked a better time to grab his first senior goal and put Michael Duff’s side ahead.
He added: “I had my parents, auntie, uncle and my girlfriend was there as well.
“I’d say this is definitely the biggest moment of my career so far – in front of a crowd is always great as well.”*