Aston Villa boss Martin O'Neill was delighted with the performance of Ciaran Clark in their victory over Fulham.
Clark, the England Under-19 captain, was thrown in at the deep end after Curtis Davies had failed to recover from his recurring shoulder problem.
The youngster, a product of the club's youth policy, did not put a foot wrong as Villa registered their first home league win of the campaign.
A first-half own goal and Gabriel Agbonlahor's first goal of the season wrapped up the points.
O'Neill said: "I thought Clark did really fine. Unfortunately Curtis has suffered a recurrence of the shoulder problem and will see a specialist in midweek.
"Clark took it in his stride when I told him he was going to be playing. He looked around as if he kind of expected it.
"Mind you, when I told him I was rubbish on my debut I'm sure it gave him a big boost of confidence!
"He led the youth team the season before last and is a great character. If there is anyone you would like to see make the grade, it is him.
"I believe he took a lot of confidence from pre-season when he stepped into the side for the Peace Cup and did very well.
"I think it was in his mind today that if he could cope with top European players, albeit in a pre-season tournament, then he could cope today."