It’s a moment that Kellan Gordon has been dreaming of for a few years now.
Last night, he became the latest Derby County Academy graduate to make his professional debut as he came on as a second half substitute to help Gary Rowett’s side progress through to the Second Round of the Carabao Cup with a 1-0 win over Grimsby Town.
The wideman was included in the original matchday squad two weeks ago, but torrential rain not only saw the game abandoned, but postpone his chance of making his senior bow.
Nevertheless, with the Rams leading 1-0 in the re-arranged fixture, Gordon got his opportunity again and it was everything that he thought it would be.
“We all know the story of what happened last time, but to be involved again was an unbelievable feeling,” he told RamsTV.
“It’s something that I have dreamt of doing since I came here when I was 14, so to do it last night was a brilliant feeling, a proud moment and I am glad my family were there to see it.”
With time ticking away and the Rams only leading 1-0 thanks to Matej Vydra’s penalty, Gordon admits he thought he wasn’t going to get on the pitch.
Much to his surprise, with 72 minutes on the clock, Rowett gave him the nod.
He recalled: “I was sitting on the substitutes bench and to be honest, I wasn’t expecting to come on.
“I had just come back from warming up and Gary turned to me and told me to get ready. I actually had to double check that he meant me! It took a while for me to come on, but I was ready and I just wanted to get on and show the gaffer what I have got.
“I felt like it went well and hopefully I will get a few more chances.”
He got straight into the thick of the action too: “There was a mad couple of minutes where I was running down the line doing what I am used to and then I found myself in my own box having to clear a header off the line!
“It was everything I thought it would be. I am even happier that we got the win and got through to the next round too.
“I can’t put into words how happy I am that I have got to this point. I loved every minute of it.”
To top it all off, as Gordon mentioned earlier, his closest family were at Blundell Park to witness the occasion – the icing on the cake on a memorable night.
A tight family unit, Gordon says his mum has been his ‘rock’ throughout his early career in the game and he was particularly pleased that she was in attendance for his professional debut.
“My mum is my rock and the dedication she has shown over the years to help get me to this point has not gone unnoticed,” he said.
“I do this for her. I feel like she has got me to this point so I am pleased that she was there. My team mates in the Under-23s have helped me to get to this point too.
“Since the turn of the year, we have all performed to a very high standard and I’m sure a few more of the lads will get their chance too.”
