ANTHONY Stewart only found out he was going to be making his Wycombe Wanderers debut hours before kick off.

The young defender was drafted into the squad earlier in the week after injuries to first choice centre back pairing Dave Winfield and Leon Johnson left him short on fit defenders.

Manager Gary Waddock had no hesitation in handing him a start and the 19-year-old repaid his faith with a composed display where he ensured Preston striker Jake Jervis was largely anonymous throughout.

Stewart said: “I’m delighted. I’ve been waiting for this – since I was a kid I’ve always wanted to make my first team debut. The time has come now and I’m over the moon.

“There were nerves there but I just dealt with it and got on with the game. All the lads helped me.

“I had a few hints [I was playing] but wasn’t too sure. I found out in the changing room today.

“I thought I did all right. I enjoyed it, that’s the main thing.”

The only blot on the youngster’s copybook was giving away a penalty on the hour mark, a decision his manager didn’t think was correct.

Stewart’s take was: “In my eyes it’s not a penalty but the ref’s given it so I can’t really change anything. He’s given it, it’s done.”

Waddock was impressed with what he saw from the latest youngster to be given a first team run-out after progressing through the Wanderers youth set-up.

He said: “I’m delighted for him. I thought he was strong, he was solid and he gave a good performance on his debut.

“He’s aggressive and good in the air. After last week we needed to change it around and credit to him, he came in and did a very good job.”