Jack Stretton is not resting on his laurels after scoring his first-ever goal for Derby County at the weekend.
The young striker was on target in the Rams’ 2-1 defeat at Peterborough United in the Sky Bet Championship.
The afternoon proved to be a bittersweet one for the Academy graduate as Wayne Rooney’s side tasted defeat for the first time this season.
Stretton, who had replaced the injured Colin Kazim-Richards early in the second half, blasted Derby in front with 13 minutes of normal time remaining with a neat turn and finish.
The hosts, however, scored twice in added time to claim all three points and take the shine off Stretton’s big moment.
The 19-year-old was pleased to get his first senior goal on the board - and he is keen to ensure there are plenty more to come.
“It was a special moment and one I’d been waiting for,” Stretton told RamsTV. “I had a few chances in some of the previous games, but now I’ve got one I hope I can get more in the future.
“I don’t feel any different for scoring, but obviously I feel more confident for getting that goal.
“I’m ready to help the team whenever I am needed; if the manager wants to start me or use me off the bench then I am ready. I will always try my best.”
On his goal at the Weston Homes Stadium Stretton added: “I remember the ball coming into the box; Curtis Davies won a header and then I saw Ravel Morrison going for another.
“I got myself into a position where I thought the ball might fall for me. Thankfully it came my way and once I saw the ball hit the back of the net, I don’t remember too much other than going mad.”
Stretton is one of several players in the first-team to have come through the club’s youth set-up.
He was a regular on the scoresheet at Under-18 and Under-23 level, despite injuries halting his progress, and he has enjoyed the challenge stepping up to the senior squad.
“I’ve been at the club for eight years and I’ve enjoyed every minute so far,” he said.
“In the building, I’ve been with Justin Walker (First Team Development Coach) a lot, especially with the Under-18s and now the first-team, and he has helped me.
“Outside of football, my family have been massive. They were over the moon on Saturday. They weren’t able to make the game as my Mum was at work, but I managed to catch up with them at home and they were all happy for me.”
Stretton netted three goals in five appearances on loan at National League side Stockport County last season.
His brief time at Edgeley Park, he believes, was an important part of his development.
“The loan spell was really important for me,” he said. “I learnt a lot during that time and it was a big difference going from Under-23s football to men’s football. It was a lot harder and physical.
“I enjoyed the time at Stockport and I tried to bring all the experiences I had there back with me.”