SAINTS youngster Diamond Edwards proves a case of by-name, by-nature suggesting the pressure situation of making his first-team debut was “relaxing”.

The 18-year-old midfielder travelled with Ralph Hasenhuttl’s senior squad for the pre-season tour to Austria, alongside eventual loanees Thierry Small and Dynel Simeu.

But he had to wait until August to make his professional debut, coming on as a substitute during the 3-0 win over League One Cambridge United in the EFL Cup.

After missing lots of football last campaign through injury, Edwards emerged as one of the top talents having signed from Reading at the age of 16.

“Just to even experience the atmosphere of how the crowd were live in the flesh was crazy,” he explained to club media, of making his debut over a month ago.

“You never really get accustomed to it, seeing it on TV and in the stands is different, when you’re amongst it all it’s crazy.”

However, the teenager exhibited his mentality in suggesting stepping onto the turf at Abbey Stadium calmed him down.

“It’s exhilarating, the heart was pumping. I felt in good nick and good condition but you never really feel you can prepare for the game as best you can, but I feel like I did,” he said.

“Everyone invited me into the environment really well so stepping on the pitch was really relaxing and welcoming for me.

“From now on, I just want to stay as close to the first-team as possible, getting regular minutes with the under-23s, getting more goals and assists and to keep playing.

“I spent a lot of time out last season, so it’s really good to keep building confidence and fitness.”

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