Manchester City loan keeper James Trafford is aiming to be Accrington Stanley's No 1 as the Sky Bet League One season kicks off at Wycombe Wanderers tomorrow.
Trafford, 18, will be competing with Toby Savin, 20, to be the main man between the sticks in what will be a young goalkeeper set-up at the Reds, with Liam Isherwood, 19, also training alongside them.
Trafford began his career at Carlisle and signed for Premier League City at Under 12 level. He has trained with Pep Guardiola’s first team and been on the bench for the Champions League and Premier League, without coming on.
He wanted to go out on loan to develop his game and now wants to make a name for himself with the Reds.
“I can’t wait to make my league debut, it’s what I have trained for since I went to Carlisle and went to Manchester City," said Trafford. "I am really excited for Saturday and I can’t wait to play at Wycombe and see all the fans.
“I have learnt a lot at Man City, it’s all the different experiences, but all I wanted to do this season was go out on loan and play men’s football as it’s the real game.
“Since I have come to Accrington, I have loved every minute of it.
“People say it’s difficult to come into this league at my age but I think if you are good enough, you are old enough.
“Age is just a number and I have had so many different experiences and all the players are helping me adapt. It’s a lot different to Academy football but I feel like I a doing well.
"The atmosphere is good here, everyone is pushing each other and we have got a good feeling about this season but I don’t want to get ahead of myself!”
Trafford comes from a farming background in Cumbria and is happy his parents will be able to watch him this season, with the fans returning to stadiums.
“I am a farmer’s son, all my family are farmers. I am from Cockermouth and everyone is supporting me at home.
“We have a lot of good sporting people from Cockermouth such as swimmer Luke Greenbank who has just been in the Olympics.
“When I was younger I thought about taking on the family farm but as I have got older, I have seen my dad and how hard he works and so not now!
“My family are happy I got a northern club and they can’t wait to come down on Saturdays and watch.
“It’s a big season for me.”