Luke Norris said he “couldn’t have asked for more” than to score his first professional goal on his first start for Brentford.
The striker has made three substitute appearances for The Bees, the last of which was in the Capital One Cup tie against Derby County last week.
He made his first start in the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy Southern Section First Round tie against AFC Wimbledon last night and scored Brentford’s second in a 5-3 win.
The striker is on a Development Squad contract at Griffin Park and has scored regularly at Under-21 level after prolific form in Youth Team football before turning professional.
He said he was told he would start against Wimbledon by Manager Uwe Rösler on Monday and was “really pleased” to make an impact.
“The gaffer told me on Monday that I was starting,” said Luke, speaking to Bees Player after the match.
“I was over the moon to make my first start.
“I couldn’t have asked for any more.
“It was a great win for the boys.
“It was a shame we conceded so many but I am really pleased to get off the mark and get that goal.
“I played against Derby and he put his faith in me.
“He asked me to be me.
“I had to prove I could work hard and when I got a chance, put it away.”
Luke made his debut as a substitute in April 2010 and played again a year later but had not featured in the First Team since.
He said he had spoken to Manager Uwe Rösler and was told he had to work harder off the ball if he wanted to get more chances.
“The thing that has stopped me being involved more is my work rate,” said Luke.
“That is all I have worked on.
“I came on at Derby and whenever I lost the ball, I had to go and win it back.
“That is what the manager wants.
“I managed to get a shot on target up there and it was lovely to play.
“A couple of weeks ago the manager told me he had no problem with what I did on the ball and I can play this level and higher.
“But 80 to 90 per cent of the game is off the ball.
“I have worked on it, it was poor, and he has seen that and he is happy.
“Hopefully I can stay in his head.”
Luke’s goal came early in the second half.
Farid El Alagui nodded down a Javi Venta pass in to the path of Jake Reeves, the midfield player put Luke in space in the inside left channel and he finished well.
The striker also provided the assist for Farid El Alagui’s first goal, played a role in his second and had a shot saved that Javi Venta smashed home for the fifth.
“They set up a bit different when they went to three at the back and the whole left side was open,” said Luke, talking about his goal.
“It was a great pass from Jake Reeves, I have been here years with him.
“I just did what I do, be composed and pass it in.
“That is all I have to do.
“The keeper made a good save and Javi scored the re-bound.
“As a team we had some really decent chances.
“My Dad was right behind the goal, it was nice to score in front of him.”
Luke admitted Brentford started slowly but thought they played well overall.
He said he was pleased to link up with Farid El Alagui, having played with him in the Development Squad.
“The first 20 minutes wasn’t good enough,” said Luke.
“We managed to get the goal, Farid was wonderful tonight.
“We needed that goal and the second one.
“I have played with Farid before, we have a good understanding.
“He is a great player, I enjoyed playing with him.
“I thought it was a very open game.
“We scored five goals, which is good in any game.”
Luke is one of five Development Squad players to have got a chance in the First Team this year.
Josh Clarke started against Derby while defender Alfie Mawson came on as a substitute.
Emmanuel Oyeleke played in the Capital One Cup game against Dagenham and Redbridge before joining Aldershot Town on loan and Aaron Pierre had made two substitute appearances.
Luke said he thought Brentford could progress in the JPT if they played like they did against Wimbledon and he hoped he could get a chance in upcoming League One games, starting against Bradford City on Saturday.
“The manager has played a few of the Development Squad players,” he said.
“Aaron played tonight, Josh started against Derby and the more rounds we stay in the more games we will play.
“The league is the priority but if we play like that we will go a few rounds.
“I am here and if the manager wants me on Saturday I will do my best and give everything for him.”
A full video interview with Luke Norris is available here for Bees Player subscribers.