Cody Twose and Isaac Jefferies reflect on First Team debuts

In our matchday squad to face Southampton in the Carabao Cup, there were 16 current or Academy graduated players included.

In the second half, both midfielder Cody Twose and winger Isaac Jefferies were introduced to the field, coming on for their First Team debuts.

Cody first joined the Academy at the age of seven, while Isaac has been with the Club since he was eight years old.

Cody came on in the 63rd minute, having made an impressive start to the campaign for our U21s side. 

Reflecting on his debut, he said: "It was a very proud moment for me and my family. Stepping onto the field was an unbelievable feeling. 

"I just wanted to impact the game as much as I could, especially on the ball, I wanted to get the team up the pitch as much as I could."

The midfielder went close to marking his debut with a goal, firing a fine effort from distance just wide of the post. 

"I've been here since I was young, so it's a massive moment for me to celebrate," Cody continued. "Playing against someone like Adam Lallana, who has massive experience was good for me, I'll certainly take that.

"I'm going to keep working hard and build on tonight. We have a game with the U21s against Birmingham on Friday, so it's straight back to work. Hopefully, I can learn from this and go again.

"I was more excited than nervous, I back myself when I'm on the pitch. All our Academy players have that attitude of backing ourselves when we make the step up, it's good to see everyone get their opportunity."

Isaac also came on as a second half substitute, replacing fellow Academy player Ronan Kpakio in the 78th minute. 

"It was an unbelievable feeling," he began. "The jump from 21s to First Team, you have a lot more fans, so when the Gaffer calls you over, there's a bit of pressure, but it's good pressure, it's everything I've ever dreamed of. 

"Challenging yourself against that kind of opposition is going to be tough on your debut, but it's nothing but good for me. It will push me further, I'm sure.

"You have to back yourself in those scenarios. It eases it having other Academy lads in there with you, then the experience of players like Dimi and Andy, who helped us through the game, I could always hear their voices. They're always good with us young lads."

The winger spent much of last season on the sidelines, having suffered a long-term injury, but has made an impression so far this campaign with the U21s.

Isaac concluded: "I had a tough season last year, tearing my ACL, so it's been a long graft to be honest. I'm really happy to go through that and be here now.

"I want to build on tonight and try and get around the First Team as much as I can. I don't think words can really describe it, especially because of the tough time I've had with injuries, but I've worked hard and I feel like I deserve it. I'm really happy."