Nathaniel Mendez-Laing today reflected on a "great night" on his senior debut against Swindon on Tuesday night - but insisted he won't be getting carried away.

The Birmingham-born 17-year-old made an instant impression as he played the first 60 minutes of the Carling Cup tie, so much so that he shaded the sponsors' Man of the Match award which he picked up after the game.

But he is keeping his feet firmly on the ground as he returns to training and is keen to continue to impress at reserve team level in a bid to be involved in the next round of the cup.

"It was a great night went when everything went well for me but more importantly the team won the game to get through to the next round," said the Academy scholar.

"Before I went out the gaffer just told me to play my own game - to play just like I do in the youth and reserve teams and try and take players on and if I can't then just pass it.

"After I went on the first run I just grew in confidence and the adrenaline got going and I just carried on from there.

"I realise Swindon had some experienced players but I didn't really think about it too much to be honest,

"I was just thinking about what I could do to try and help the team."

Nathaniel';s efforts certainly raised spirits among the crowd on the night, and he received a great reception when replaced just after the hour mark.

He added:  "I didn't really notice the crowd's reaction, when I'm playing I just tend to blank everything out to concentrate on the game.

"When I was coming off I heard the good reception which was nice, I was buzzing!

"I'm not going to get carried away though and have just got to get my head down and keep working hard.

"That's what got me the chance in the first place and is the only way I might get another opportunity.

"I've got to do the best I can in the reserve games and if the gaffer changes things around again for the Carling Cup my aim has to be to try and get in that squad."

Receiving the man of the match award, and bottle of champagne, meant meeting the sponsors afterwards, which while slightly daunting initially he eventually took in his stride.

"I walked in to get the award and couldn't believe how many people were in there!" he said.

"I got presented with the bottle of champagne and had a few pictures taken.

"I was a bit shy at first but got into it after a while and they all gave me a standing ovation!

"And I'll certainly be keeping the bottle of champagne as a souvenir!"