Aldershot Town winger Adam Mekki says he is thriving after being given an opportunity in the first team.

The 19-year-old academy graduate made his first start in last weekend's win over Cheltenham after two appearances from the bench.

He told BBC Surrey: "Things have happened so fast.

"It was an absolute delight to start. I was only told about half an hour before kick off. It was a tough game to be in but I loved it."

He added: "The first two weeks after Dean Holdsworth came in as manager I was suffering with an injury so it was quite frustrating not to be there impressing.

"When I got back fully fit, I was given my chance to train with the first team."

And Mekki says the experience he has taken from loan spells with Oxford City and Carshalton Athletic earlier this season has helped him make the step up from youth and reserve team level.

"Men's football has really toughened me up. I've learned how to deal with the physicality.

"I've taken it into the League Two games I've played. It's really helped me."

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