Former Winterbourne International Academy pupil Mike Green endured a baptism of fire as his senior debut for Bristol Rovers ended in a humiliating 6-1 defeat at League Two side Oxford United in the Carling Cup.
The 21-year-old goalkeeper was given his chance with loan goalkeeper Mikkel Andersen on international duty with Denmark under-21s.
Rovers manager Paul Trollope backed the youngster to come back strong.
“I feel for the lad,” said Trollope.
“Mike has waited a number of years for his debut and there is no fingers being pointed at his display at all. It will be one he will remember and one he will have to recover from.
“He’ll bounce back. He’s a strong boy with a lot of years in the game ahead of him.”
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