Rothie ace Taylor makes Wolves bow
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IT was “unbelievable” to make a first-team debut for Wolves in a powderkeg derby clash, said Rothienorman native Terry Taylor.
The 18-year-old clambered off the bench with 20 minutes to go in Wednesday's Carabao Cup defeat to Aston Villa, in what was his first senior competitive outing for the club.
Taylor has been a prominent part of the Molineux U23 side since joining from Aberdeen in 2017.
But his leap into the top team was a show of faith from popular boss Nuno Espirito Santo, who had used the game as an opportunity to blood several youngsters.
And speaking to The Advertiser, Taylor said: “It's a big achievement for myself, something I've been dreaming about for a long time.
“I was delighted.
“I was never really sure [if I was coming on] but you just have to be ready incase you are as there's always a chance someone gets injured.
“I was ready and just glad I got the chance.
“He (Santo) just said 'trust yourself, trust your ability' – he also told me to use my voice, my leadership skills and communicate to the other boys as well.
“It shows he has got good faith in me which I'm really glad of.”
Scotland youth international midfielder Taylor, who also captained Wales at U16 level before switching allegiance back to Scotland, had also featured in Wolves' pre-season trip to China during the summer.
But he says there was no comparison to playing in front of 35,000 at a raucous Villa Park, and set his sights on a Premier League appearance before the season is out.
He admitted it is a far cry from turning out for Rothie Rovers just four years ago!
He continued: “I played a couple times in China, pre-season is slightly different with the atmosphere.
“Especially coming on in such a big game like that, a derby against Aston Villa.
“But I could handle it pretty well as I've been around it and in the squad for months now.
“Was it surreal? Yeah, it didn't really sink in when it happened, but when I was on the pitch it was unbelievable.
“The noise in the stadium was something I've never really heard before.
“The biggest thought as soon as it was finished was that I wanted more of it, it was a great feeling.
“I just have to keep working hard and keep showing they can trust me to put me in there, so hopefully I'll get my chance.
“I don't think there's a lot of players from Rothienorman around these parts!”
