TEENAGER Toby Raison spoke of his pride after making his competitive debut in Hereford’s 3-0 FA Trophy victory over St Neots Town.

The 18-year-old central defender was offered a deal with Hereford this season after impressing during pre-season.

The former Hereford United Academy youngster came on in the 85th minute as a substitute to make his debut.

“I was buzzing to make my competitive debut and really enjoyed it actually,” said Raison speaking to Keith Hall.

“I think it’s just great to be out on the pitch and to get any minutes is just a really good feeling. It was great to be involved in all the friendlies which was a proud moment for me but to make my competitive debut is something different.

“I’m really proud to make that for my local club. If I get the opportunity to play I’m more than ready to take it so I’m looking forward to anything that comes my way.

“Trust is a massive thing and the fact the manager and assistant have trust in me to go out there and put in a performance in and finish off the game is great.

“It allows you to play with freedom and just enjoy it. That’s the main thing, if you can play your natural game then that’s only going to bring out the best in you.”

The young defender says training with the more experienced defenders at Hereford including Jamie Grimes and Kennedy Digie has improved him as a player.

“I’m very lucky to be in the position I am where I’ve got experienced players in my position that can give me a lot of advice,” added Raison.

“They can help me learn and I can learn from them by watching what they do. Jamie (Grimes) is a great defender and scored his first one for Hereford tonight.

“All the centre backs we’ve got are top level so to be able to learn from them on the training pitch and watching them in games as well is only going to benefit me and I’m looking forward to playing alongside them for the rest of the season.”

Raison says that training with the Bulls at their Coventry base has improved his development as a player.

“I’m really enjoying it,” he added.

“It allows you to develop even more than if you’re playing a couple of times a week which is a really important thing for me at such a young age, playing at the age of 18.

“If I’m playing frequently every single day that’s only going to help my development.”