Debut worth the wait for Kees de Boer

It was two years in the making, but for Kees de Boer it was worth the wait.

The 19-year-old got his first taste of senior football earlier this week after making his debut in the Carabao Cup win over Northampton Town.

A late cameo it may have been, but the six minutes of game-time de Boer benefited from ticked a big box in his career.

“It was a great feeling when I was called up to go on and make my debut - it was a very proud moment for me,” said de Boer, who joined the club from Ajax in 2017.

“I’ve waited a while but I am so happy to make my senior debut for the club. When the boys had their chance last season (against Crystal Palace in the same competition), I knew I just had to be patient and keep working hard if I wanted to get my chance.

“Making my debut has just made me hungry for more appearances as the season progresses.”

The midfielder was one of seven players in the match day squad to have come through the club’s academy, with head coach Steve Cooper keen to give youth an opportunity to shine.

And, having come on as a late replacement for Yan Dhanda, de Boer now has his sights set on another potential run out.

“All of the academy players would love to play for the first team, but the squad is quite big at the moment, so I just need to keep working hard,” he added.

“I will be happy with any minute of senior football I can play to help develop my game.”

While Cooper’s side now focus on Saturday’s Championship clash with Preston, de Boer will look to help the club’s under-23s team build on their fine start to the campaign.

Cameron Toshack and Gary Richards saw their side win 1-0 at Norwich City in their opening Premier League 2 Division 2 fixture.

Next up is a home match with Aston Villa on Monday at Landore (7pm).

“Our opening game was very difficult, but we played well and got the result we deserved,” added de Boer, who was part of the club’s successful FAW Youth Cup squad last season.

“We are on home turf for the first time this season on Monday, and we are looking to make the most of that and build momentum in terms of performances and results.”