Cambridge United defender Rory McAuley has said he hopes to become a first-team regular after signing his first professional contract.
McAuley has made the step up from the U's youth side on an 18-month deal.
The 19-year-old told BBC Radio Cambridgeshire: "I played a few games in the first team and I did quite well.
"I find the physical side of the game alright, it's the tempo of the game that is a bit different to what I'm used to."
The Blackpool-born youngster made his Cambridge debut at Ebbsfleet in September and impressed in the 1-1 draw, despite being shown a straight red card in the closing minutes.
The gaffer gives us loads of feedback, gets really involved with the youth system and keeps a good eye on the players
Rory McAuley
"I was a bit too enthusiastic, just keen to do well, it was nothing malicious," he said.
Boss Gary Brabin has made the U's youth side a key part of his plans for the future.
And McAuley has nothing but praise for the way his transition into the first team his been handled.
"The gaffer gives us loads of feedback, gets really involved with the youth system and keeps a good eye on the players," he added.
"He comes down and watches a lot of the game, he's really approachable as are Paul Carden and Stuart Bimson."
Meanwhile, the club have appointed head of youth development Jez George to the board of directors.
George has become director of youth and will oversee the club's long-term aim of producing a steady stream of home-grown talent.
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