ROOKIE Darlington keeper Nick Liversedge has finally been handed a first-team opportunity and having waited two years for his chance says he does not want to give it up now.

The 21-year-old made his league bow in Saturday’s 3-0 defeat at Barnet as a replacement for Russell Hoult, who has returned to Notts County following the end of his loan, and left Underhill satisfied with his afternoon’s work.

He was not blamed for any of the goals while he also avoided the ignominy of being sent off - something which tarnished his debut at Leeds United this month.

That match, in the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy, saw the Hull-born keeper red-carded for hauling down striker Enoch Showunmi outside the penalty area.

“I thought I did really well and then 30 seconds from the end I had a rush of blood to the head!” said Liversedge.

“Ian Miller had covered behind me, and with it being the last minute I thought the referee would just let it go and give me a yellow card but he sent me off.

“I had a few of my friends watching that night too. My parents didn’t tell me they were going but they just sent me a text after the game saying I’d played really well.”

He also did well against Barnet and hopes manager Steve Staunton will select him this Saturday at Hereford United.

“I’d been looking forward to playing my first game,” he added. “I’ve been waiting to get in the team for two years.

“It was Lidds’ and Maddo’s decision to put me in for the Leeds game. They said that I’d not had much of an opportunity so they put me in the team and I suppose I must have done well otherwise I wouldn’t have played at Barnet.

“I thought I did well on Saturday.

With it being my first game I just wanted to settle in and do my best.

“Hopefully I can keep playing for the next few games and keep improving.

“It’s difficult when you don’t play many games and then get thrown in.

“I’ve played two games now since pre-season, the Leeds game and Barnet so it’s not ideal. As a goalkeeper you need to be playing regularly to get your distances right so I need to be playing regularly to keep improving.

“I did the best I can on Saturday.

I want a few games to get settled in and keep improving.”

■ The Darlington Supporters Club have places available on the coach to Hereford on Saturday.

The coach departs at 9am and cost is £28.

To book a place call (01325) 243911.