Jacob Ramsey was “buzzing” after making his first Premier League start for Aston Villa on Saturday.
Dean Smith named the homegrown midfielder in his starting XI and he didn’t let the head coach down, putting in an industrious performance.
Speaking on the Molineux pitch after the game, the 19-year-old recalled the moment he knew he had made the line-up.
Ramsey said: “On Friday, as soon as I walked into the training ground JT (John Terry) came and saw me and told me the gaffer wanted to see me.
“I was a bit nervous but in the back of my mind I was thinking ‘he’s going to start me’. He said you’ve trained well for the past two weeks and you deserve the start. I was buzzing.”
Playing alongside Douglas Luiz and John McGinn in central midfield, Ramsey was a composed presence – especially when the former was dismissed for a second yellow late on.
With a first top-flight start under his belt, the youngster has now set his sights on staying in the team as Villa head into a busy festive period, starting against Burnley at Villa Park on Thursday.
“We knew before the game that Wolves were a good side with a lot of good players, and with it being a derby we knew it would be physical,” he said.
“The lads battled well, Emi pulled off a couple of good saves and Ginny showed his magic in the box. Anwar stepped up and took it comfortably.
“Before the game, I knew it was going to be tough and that’s how it was. There were lots of fouls and loads of contact, but it was good.
“It was great to get my first Premier League start. We’ve got a game on Thursday and a few more coming up, so hopefully I can continue my form and keep my shirt.”
