A man-of-the-match performance from a teenager on his first League One start for almost 12 months

Burrows, who started yesterday’s game as a wing-back, last appeared in a third tier game on December 29 when he was hauled off at half-time in a 4-0 defeat at Rotherham.

It’s fair to say this was a much happier experience for the 18 year-old, one of two teenagers alongside Flynn Clarke (17) to start the 4-1 win over Rochdale at the Weston Homes Stadium yesterday (December 12). All the goals arrived in the first-half with striker Jonson Clarke-Harris hitting a hat-trick and defender Nathan Thompson completing the scoring from a corner.

“It was really enjoyable, especially the first-half,” Burrows enthused.

“We played exactly how the manager wanted us to. To score four in the first-half was pleasing and keeping a clean sheet in the second-half was also pleasing, if not quite as enjoyable!

“I enjoy the wing-back role, although I’m obviously still learning the position. I was happy to set up the second goal as crossing the ball better is something I’ve worked hard on.

“Jono is always in the penalty area so after I’d stayed high and picked up a long diagonal pass I just concentrated on using the space to deliver a good cross. I was pleased to see Jono get a hat-trick as he’s always a threat.

“The manager has always told us to use the under 23 games and the EFL Trophy games to make youself the best player you can be. I’ve had to be patient, but hopefully I can stay in the squad now.

“It was great to share a first-team start with Flynn as he’s a very good friend of mine.”

Left-sided defender Dan Butler could be fit for Tuesday’s League One game at MK Dons after an absence with a calf injury.

“Dan is a good player and tough competition for a place,” Burrows added.