Ola Aina and Max Clark have been reflecting on their Championship debuts against Aston Villa last weekend as we opened the season with a point.
Reflecting on the performance and what was a tough game before we deservedly drew ourselves level, Aina told the Official Site that he felt all things considered it was a decent point on Saturday.
‘It was an exciting day for me with it being my first taste of competitive Championship football. We were up against tough opposition and I’m just happy that we managed to get a decent result away from home. We always knew it was going to be a tough opening game and I think a point is a decent result for us on the opening day of the season. We had to dig in during the game and I think everybody did that and it was a good performance in the end. The whole team played well after half time and Jarrod came up with the equaliser that we needed.’
The game was also a swift reunion for Aina with former Chelsea teammate John Terry, and he walked away with the new Villa captain’s match shirt on the day.
‘I’ve still got his number in my phone and he is somebody who has helped me a lot over the years. Playing against him on Saturday was a little bit surreal – every time I saw him on the pitch it was like going back to a training match at Chelsea! He’s been like a mentor to me over the last few years and I’m sure he’s somebody I can still call on for a bit of reassurance if things get tough.’
As for Academy graduate Clark, he described his debut on the day as the ‘best feeling in the world’ having been with Hull since he was aged 12.
The 21 year old’s family were in attendance at the game as he lined up at left back.
‘I would describe it as the proudest moment of my life. Having some of my family at Villa Park, with others watching back home as well, meant the world to me. Having grown up as a Hull City fan, it was a massive moment for me and one that I will remember for a long, long time. I was shocked when I was told I would be starting by the gaffer but, at the end of the day, I`ve worked hard for the opportunity and my chance to impress.’
Clark went on to say.
‘I feel as though the time is right. I worked hard in pre-season and got my rewards by being named in the starting line-up against Aston Villa. Getting to the ground and realising I was going to be making my Hull City debut was a special feeling, and the whole experience didn`t disappointment one bit. It`s been a long time coming, but making my debut for my hometown Club was the best feeling in the world – it will definitely take some beating! It would have been great to come away with a win, but it was still a decent point gained against what was a very good Aston Villa side.’
Clark is pretty versatile having played left back, centre back, and even midfield, but he admits he’ll play anywhere to get more games under his belt.
‘I`ve had that little taste of the first team now, which is great, but the hard work has to – and will – continue. It honestly doesn`t bother me where I play. I`ll play in any position for the good of the team if it means I have the chance to play for my hometown Club. Having the ability to slot into a number of positions will do me no harm whatsoever. As long I`m getting opportunities, that is all that matters. Having made my debut, I want to kick on now. Hopefully I can train well throughout the week and do enough to keep my place in the side going forward.’
