Marcus Carver admitted it was a dream to make his Accrington debut as the Reds look to the future.

Carver, Ryan Hopper and Adam Stockdale all signed professional contracts this week with both Carver and Hopper making an impression in the first team and Stockdale just awaiting his chance.

Striker Carver, from Great Harwood, came on in the 5-1 defeat at Bristol Rovers on Saturday and said it was an honour to play for the club he supported as a youngster.

"I am an Accrington fan," said the 18-year-old. "I used to watch them and travel as a supporter when I was younger so I know a lot of the fans.

"When I was warming up at Bristol I got a good reception from them and things like that get you through.They were magnificent.

"It was a dream to make my debut, I was just gutted we lost.

"I came on when it was either 3-1 or 4-1 but I was itching to get on to prove a point.

"I did feel really nervous but I just blanked it out.

"To make your debut for your home town club though is cracking. I have always supported the club as, being from Great Harwood, it’s just up the road."

Carver might not have capped his debut with a win but he came close to a goal.

He got on the end of Bryan Hughes’ ball in late on and it looked like he could take the ball around the grounded keeper but Scott Bevan stuck out an arm to deny him.

"It was a great pass from Bryan and I thought I had taken it around the keeper but he had a long arm so it was a bit frustrating," he said.

"I had visions of scoring in my head but I think I would have just froze if it had gone in. Still I have 30 minutes under my belt and now it’s something to build on."

He admitted the trio are keeping each other calm as they look to forge Football League careers for themselves.

"On the bus to Bristol, me, Ryan and Adam (who was the 17th man) all sat together.

"We were having a laugh and keeping each other calm and giving each other ideas what to expect.

"Ryan has obviously made his debut so he was a big help to me in keeping me calm.

"But now I have played one game I am hungry for more, it was a big crowd, a top level and hopefully I can get more games under my belt next season.

"Now I have made my debut, you want your first start and your first goal and hopefully I can do that next season."

Hopper said: "It’s very exciting to sign my first professional contract.

"We’ve been talking about it but it’s great to actually get it done and I just want to kick on now.

"Next year is a chance to show everyone what we are all about."

And Stockdale added: "I just want to get out there and show what I can do.

"If I get my opportunity tomorrow then great, if it comes next season then I’ll be ready.

"I just need to keep myself ticking over in the summer and give myself the best possible opportunity in pre-season."