Wellington Phoenix prospect Nathan Walker could not wipe the smile off his face after making an unexpected Isuzu UTE A-League debut over the weekend.
Walker was thrust into the starting XI for Sunday’s 1-1 draw against Western United in Round 1 after New Zealand international Sam Sutton fell ill hours before kick-off.
The 18-year-old academy player has been training with Giancarlo Italiano’s first team throughout pre-season and debuted in the 2024 Australia Cup but he is not one of the 25 contracted A-Leagues players.
MITRE MADE MOMENTS: Biggest talking points from Round 1 as Sydney FC’s title blueprint emerges
After the match, Walker was asked when he learned that he was making his A-Leagues bow.
“A few hours before kick-off pretty much,” the teenager told Sky Sport New Zealand.
“I got a call. Sutts (Sam Sutton) was sick, so I had no prep really (smiling).”
Walker, who completed the full 90 minutes, added: “There’s improvements for sure but I mean, just good to get an experience, an opportunity. I was happy with it.”
He was surrounded by some wise heads in Wellington’s line-up – from captain Alex Rufer to talisman Kosta Barbarouses.
“Oh it’s unreal having the experienced boys. Kosta (Barbarouses), Rufs (Alex Rufer), Bally (David Ball) and Scotty gave me a call before the game to help settle the nerves. It’s massive having them,” he said.
BUY TICKETS TO ROUND 2 IN THE ISUZU UTE A-LEAGUE!
Walker’s first taste of senior football came via an Australia Cup defeat to NPLM VIC giants South Melbourne in August.
REMEMBER THE NAMES: Isuzu UTE A-League teenagers at the centre of a history-making opening round
“For sure,” Walker replied when asked if he always felt like his chance might under under head coach Italiano. “There’s a few of us up in the first team.
“He’s not shy about giving us opportunities. In the Australia Cup, he put out a young squad. There’s always opportunities, you just need to work for them.”
GOAL OF THE WEEK: Round 1 Isuzu UTE A-League Goal of the Week nominees: Vote for your winner TODAY!
