Luke Hannant made his Football League debut during Vale’s defeat away to Accrington Stanley, but despite the result, he was delighted to get out on the pitch.
After signing for the club on Thursday, the 24-year-old was handed a starting berth by Neil Aspin, something which he admits came as a surprise.
He said: “Obviously coming in a few days ago, I’ve only had two training sessions, but I worked hard because I wanted to put myself in a good position for selection.
“But, I was fortunate to get the start and I took it well. On a personal note, it was good to get my first game in the Football League, but it’s disappointing that we couldn’t come away with three points.
“It was a proud moment for myself. I was a bit nervous, I’m not going to lie, but I felt as if I settled into the game and it’s a shame we didn’t get a result.
”The game was played at a good tempo. It was quick to start with and I thought I settled in quite well, but it’s a big step up from Non-League and it’s something I’ve got to look forward to now in the future.”
Vale did go into half-time with a two-goal lead courtesy of Tom Pope and Michael Tonge, but they couldn’t capitalise on that during the second 45 minutes.
Sean McConville scored either side of a controversial Billy Kee equaliser to hand Stanley victory, but Hannant insists there are positives to take away from the game.
“We knew coming into the game that they’re a team doing well at the top end of the league, so to go 2-0 up was great for us,” he said.
“I came into the team knowing that Popey is on a good goal scoring run. He’s a good lad, he wins things in the air, but I don’t think we got enough quality into him to use his attributes today.
“We conceded three sloppy goals as well so we’ve let ourselves down there, but that’s something we will work on during the week and look to improve in next week’s game.”
It’s back on home soil for the Valiants next time out as Colchester United make the journey to Burslem, and Hannant could make his home debut.
Earlier in the season, Vale recorded a 1-1 draw versus the U’s away from home and the midfielder believes that will give the squad confidence ahead of Saturday’s clash.
He said: “I’m looking forward to making my home debut, I’ve got a few people coming to watch me so I’m buzzing to put on a performance.
“That past result should help us, and now we’re in front of a home crowd as well, we can take the first half performance from today into that game and if we do, I’m sure we will do well.”