Will Forrester hopes there’s lots more to come after launching his EFL career with Wanderers in style.
Forrester made his full league debut for the Whites in Saturday’s 1-1 draw with Peterborough United.
The summer signing was part of a defensive unit that stood firm in the second half after Wanderers had been reduced to 10 men following the dismissal of Gethin Jones.
Jones will now serve a three-match ban in League One and with captain Ricardo Almeida Santos also sidelined by a hamstring injury that could keep him out for up to a further three weeks, Forrester may now get a run in the side.
“Ever since I’ve come into the club I’ve thoroughly enjoyed it,” said the 22-year-old, who was a commanding and composed presence in the middle of Wanderers’ re-shuffled back line.
“I’ve had to be patient. I’ve had to wait for the opportunity and with the injuries and suspensions, it creates opportunities for players.
“Luckily, I got mine. I’m thankful to the gaffer for trusting me and hopefully now I’ll have many more opportunities this season.
“We’ve got quite a few injuries in the camp but we aren’t going to use that as an excuse for anything.
“Everyone will be fully recovered and ready to go again on Tuesday and then we have another game next Saturday at Port Vale which is one I am personally really looking forward to and I think the rest of the team are. Hopefully we’ll go there and get three points.”
Ian Evatt’s men host Manchester United’s U21s in the EFL Trophy on Tuesday night before resuming their league campaign at Forrester’s former club next weekend.
And Forrester - whose previous three starts for the Whites had come in cup competitions - will head back to the Potteries having helped Wanderers secure a valuable point against Peterborough thanks to a fighting rearguard action and the backing of the home fans.
“I thought all the lads dug in and ended up grinding out a good point in the end,” he added.
“It was a really good performance, I thought, even though it wasn’t like our normal selves when we like to have the ball and play. It’s difficult to do that with 10 men but we stood firm, stood our ground and showed we can do the other side of the game too, which I think is important.
“I think the fans played a massive part in getting behind us. They were like the extra man and credit to them. They were excellent all game and when we went down to 10 men they really drove us on. I think without them I don’t think we end up getting that point.
“Massive respect to them and hopefully they can be the same all season and we can give them what they want.”