Regan Griffiths felt his senior debut against Shrewsbury Town in the Papa John’s Trophy went as well as it could have gone from an individual point of view.

The attacking midfielder admitted that he began to tire in the last 15 minutes as the intensity of playing first-team football for the first time took its toll on the legs, and he was disappointed to be on the losing side after we had 3-2 with half an hour to play.

Griffiths’ performance was hailed as ‘excellent’ by manager David Artell, with him also stating in his post-match interview that he thought that the Liverpool-born youngster had been our best performer on the night.

Regan told iFollow: “I enjoyed it and it was a great experience to play in the first team. It is a lot quicker than 23s football or when I was at Witton and it is something you have to get used to. You have play quicker to keep the ball and I thought I did that.

“I thought I did okay for my first game. I just tried to keep things simple in the first half and keep the ball and play myself into the game.

“I managed to get an assist as well on my debut so I was pleased with that. It was a relief when I saw Powelly (Daniel Powell) finish it off and I had a big smile on my face!

“It was a bit tough on the legs in the last 15 minutes, but that will come the more you get to play at this level and get used to the intensity of it.

“I know I have to be patient. There are good lads and good players ahead of me and I know I have to work hard in training every day to get above them.

Regan added: “Hopefully I will get a few more opportunities like this and be able to take them when they do come.”