Grimsby Town youth team centre-half Mattie Pollock admits he initially thought his first-team call-up was a prank.
The 17-year-old, who is the son of former Town midfielder Jamie Pollock, was an unused substitute in the Mariners’ 2-0 Checkatrade Trophy defeat to Doncaster Rovers at Keepmoat Stadium last Tuesday.
But he said that he was in disbelief when he got the call from youth team manager Neil Woods.
Speaking exclusively on iFollow Mariners, he said: “I thought he was joking at first to be honest – I didn’t know if I could believe it or not!
“He rang me and let me know, and I was just at home, and straight away I couldn’t stop smiling – it was the best news I’ve heard.
“It was just a dream come true, and was the best feeling ever!
“It was massive. It’s something you dream of, and getting the call-up just made my day – it was the best feeling ever.”
The youth team welcome Mansfield Town to Cheapside in the North East EFL Youth Alliance this Saturday (11am).