Having made his Premier League debut as a substitute in last weekend’s loss to Watford, youngster Josh Bowen has said he’s hungry for more match minutes now to bring his development on further.
Speaking to the Official Site after the Premier League introduction came following his senior debut in the League Cup win over Exeter City earlier in the campaign, his 89th minute introduction saw him become the fourth youngest debutant in the Premier League, sitting behind only Tom Cairney, Liam Cooper and Mark Cullen, and whilst it wasn’t the result he’d have wanted to mark his bow with – it was an experience he’ll never forget and one he wants to taste again, and quickly.
‘It was the result of years and years of hard work, not just by myself but by so many people that have helped me along the way. It was a massive moment in my career and something that I will remember for a long, long time. Obviously it was gutting to lose the game in the manner we did, conceding an own goal so late in the game but, on a personal level, to make my Premier League debut was all I`ve dreamed about since I was a little kid. This is what it`s all about. As a young kid this is what you want to do. For me to get where I am now – playing in the Premier League – having started out at the bottom with Hereford is just amazing. It didn`t really sink in on the day, but it has now. It was such a great moment and it will always be a memory for me to cherish. But the key now is to build on it. I don`t want to stand still. I want more, a lot more, but I understand I’m young and I have to bide my time and be patient. I’ll just continue to work hard and hopefully go forward from there.’
As for the experience, 48 hours after his Vicarage Road bow in front of over 20,000 fans, he was back in Development Squad action in front of a crowd of less than 100, so he’s staying grounded.
‘I`ve got to get game-time and minutes under my belt, to make sure that I`m ready and up to scratch if I`m called upon again. It`s a great squad to be part of – the Development Squad – and I know that I have to be playing well and scoring goals at that level in order to get further chances in the first team. I`ve got to keep doing that week in, week out in order to get noticed. I set my standards high, and the aim is to always meet those standards – nothing less. All I can do is continue to give my all whatever level I`m playing at and make sure I train well when I`m with the Development Squad at Bishop Burton and the first-team at Cottingham. I have to do that day in, day out going forward. I know I`ve got to remain patient for my next opportunity, but whenever that chance comes, it`s up to me to make sure I grab it with both hands. I just have to be confident and have belief in myself and my ability.’
