Tyrese Francois would have liked his Premier League debut to come in more positive circumstances, but was proud nonetheless to get a runout in the season finale.
The 20-year-old midfielder has endured a frustrating campaign after a hamstring problem kept him sidelined for three-and-a-half months, so he was pleased to at least end on a good note.
“It wasn’t the result that we wanted but, personally, after a tough season for me with injury, it was nice to end it with my debut in the Premier League,” Francois told fulhamfc.com.
“Injuries can happen at any time, it’s not like it’s something you can plan for, but that’s football, it’s part of the game. The injury was a bit of a kick in the teeth but I tried to take it in my stride.
“It was a little bittersweet; I was delighted to make my first appearance but, at the same time, it wasn't the result we wanted against Newcastle, and it was also unfortunate that we couldn’t stay in the Premier League this year.”
Francois had already featured for the First Team in the Carabao Cup at the start of the season, but making his league bow in front of a crowd was extra special.
“There were no fans at the Sheffield Wednesday game, so they made a big difference on Sunday,” he explained.
“But also, the Premier League is completely different. It’s always been a dream of mine to play in it, so I’d say this was a much better experience as we had the fans back, my family were in the stadium as well, which was very nice.
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“I was so happy my family were there, as they haven’t been able to watch me play much football recently because of Covid and everything, so it was nice for them to be there for that moment.
“It definitely gave us a boost having the fans there, and the players wanted to put in a good performance for them. Obviously results haven’t gone our way, but we have played some good football this season and the effort has always been there, and I hope the fans saw a bit of that.”
When imagining his first Premier League appearance, Francois would not have envisioned himself operating at left wing-back, but he was willing to do any job for the side.
“I was just happy to come on and try and give everything for the team,” the Australia youth international said. “But yeah, I don’t think many people expected me to come on for Joe Bryan!
“You never know when the Gaffer’s going to call you, so I just made sure I was ready. I warmed up a few times, and then I think around the 73rd minute he told me to start getting ready, so that’s when I knew I was coming on.
“He just told me to enjoy it and try to make a difference. He didn’t put any pressure on it, which gave me good confidence.”
With the likes of Francois, Sylvester Jasper and Fabio Carvalho all in the matchday squad on the final day, does that whet the appetite for more minutes in the Championship next season?
“Exactly,” replied Francois. “It leaves a taste in your mouth of you wanting more, and that’s definitely a goal of mine, especially next season; try and get into that team and play consistent football at Fulham.
“All the management staff with the First Team give confidence to the young players. Like you’ve seen with Fabio, if you’re good enough then you’re old enough.
“He’s done very well, so there’s definitely a pathway for us young players to the First Team.”
