Tuesday evening’s 3-0 victory over Rochdale in the Carabao Cup was a night to remember for Jay Glover who made his professional debut for the Owls.
The 19-year-old started the clash against Dale and was delighted to mark his first appearance for his boyhood club in a game that saw Wednesday march into round three of the competition.
Glover told swfc.co.uk: “It meant a lot! I’ve been a fan since I was younger and had a season ticket since I was around 12, and then getting my scholarship was a proud moment, but Tuesday night was what I’ve been working towards.
“It was weird walking out to the music and hearing ‘Hi Ho Silver Lining’ because normally I’m in the stands singing it!
“I used to go to games with my dad, one of his friends and my little brother.
“I always remember Reda and Jermaine Johnson and Michail Antonio. I remember when Nicky Weaver used to play for us too and I’ve been able to work with him in the academy.
“My family were really proud of me, they used to take me all across the country when I played for Sheffield Boys and they were really happy for me to make my debut.
“Neil Thompson and Steven Haslam told me they were really happy for me too and said that I did well.”
Having been called up to first team training on several occasions in recent months, it was no surprise to Glover when Darren Moore asked him to join the seniors earlier this week, but he received a shock when realising he would be in the starting 11.
He added: “I found out on Monday morning. I was in the dome and Thommo came over to tell me I was training with the first team. I went to train and we were doing shape work so I had a little thought, but I still wasn’t too sure!
“Then we had a pre-match meeting and the team was announced which was a great feeling!
“The gaffer always tells me to keep working hard and keep my feet on the ground. When I train with the first team he wants me to impress and not just be there to make the numbers up, so he’s been really good with me.
“The lads were really good with me too. They just told me to focus on playing my game and they all congratulated me afterwards as well. I had really good support from the senior players.
“The three goals in the game were great strikes as well, up there with the best strikes I’ve seen at Hillsborough!”
As well as backing from the first team, players from the Owls’ Under-21s and Under-18s were quick to praise Glover with messages of support on social media, something that meant a lot to the Wednesdayite as he aims to continue impressing manager Moore.
He added: “When I walked out for the second half I looked for the seats where I normally sit with the lads from the 21s and 18s and I could see them all there watching, which was a great feeling.
“I want to train as much with the first team and be around them and get as many competitive fixtures as I can this season.”