Johnston: It was an 'unbelievable' feeling to make my Cobblers debut

Cobblers academy striker Ethan Johnston described making his debut for the club as an 'unbelievable feeling' after coming on as a second-half substitute against Bristol City.

The 18-year-old, who penned his first professional contract in March, replaced Benny Ashley-Seal 56 minutes into Wednesday's Carabao Cup tie at Ashton Gate.

"It felt unbelievable," said Johnston. "It's what I've been working towards ever since I started playing football and to make my debut in such a big stadium against a good team is an honour.

"I had to take it all in when I walked on but once I got on and the ball started moving, I felt fine and I just tried my best for the team - I really enjoyed it!"

Johnston was the second teenage striker in the space of five days to be handed his debut by Town manager Keith Curle following Caleb Chukwuemeka, who came on against AFC Wimbledon at the weekend and also started in midweek.

"It was really good to play with a couple of other academy players," added Johnston. "The gaffer has shown a lot of faith in us and we're just trying to repay him when we get the chance.

"He's really positive and really helpful. Even if you make a mistake, he doesn't get on at you as long as you're trying to do the right thing.

"You've also got Hosko (Sam Hoskins) and Linesy (Chris Lines) and the other experienced pros. They talk to you a lot when you're out on the pitch and help you and that's the same in training.

"It's good to play with them and learn from them."

Explaining his path to the first-team, Johnston said: "When I left school, my first year was in the education programme and they gave me the chance to play in the academy.

"I did well in the academy and then progressed to here but it was the education programme that set me on the way to where I am now.

"I supported and followed the Cobblers since I was young so it's a great feeling to make my debut for the club."