Eoin Toal was happy with a winning Wanderers’ debut as the summer signing got his Whites’ career up and running.
Toal played for an hour of Wanderers’ 4-1 victory over Crewe Alexandra in the Papa Johns Trophy.
The former Derry City defender has had to bide his time after picking up a couple of knocks since his arrival in July.
But after an initial comeback appearance in the B team, the 23-year-old looked nicely at home at first-team level as he helped Ian Evatt’s men to a convincing win in their Group B opener at the University of Bolton Stadium.
“I really enjoyed it. It was good to get my first 60 minutes for the first team,” said Toal.
“I had a few injuries but I’m glad they’re recovered now and I got the opportunity to play.
“I felt good. There are a lot of quality players around me and they helped me through it as well.
“We played really well. I only played 60 minutes, but it was a good run-out for myself and I was glad to get the minutes in the legs.”
Toal slotted in impressively between Will Aimson and George Johnston in Wanderers’ back three as Evatt successfully rotated his squad.
And the former Northern Ireland U21 international is ready to build on his first taste of competitive action to provide the manager with a further defensive option once fully up to speed.
“It’s a strong squad. There’s a lot of strength in depth and that shows it’s good to have competition for places,” Toal added.
“I’m really enjoying it. The staff and the lads have been very welcoming and I’m really looking forward to kicking on now.
“The pitch was really good. It was a wee crowd, but it was still good to get out there.”