Derby County's 15 year-old striker Mason Bennett was thrilled with his first team debut in defeat at Middlesbrough.
Bennett hit the crossbar with one effort.
After a 78-minute debut full of promise, he said: "At the moment, I'm loving life and football. It's mad how much my life has changed.
"I can still improve in a lot of aspects of my game but am happy to play anywhere."
It is back down to earth this week for Bennett, who will be training with the Under-18 squad during half-term.
Boss Clough revealed: "He took it in his stride with a mature debut. He's that type of lad.
"It's too much to expect him being involved every week, but the odd time when we're short we'll get him in.
"The more experience he gets the better.
"He could have made a name for himself even more if he'd scored and he'll be thinking about the one that hit the bar, but he's got another 15 years to make sure he scores those regularly."