DEBUTANT Ben Greenwood realised a childhood dream against Norwich City – stressing that it felt even better to make his Cherries debut alongside his “brothers” from the development squad.

Given a first start alongside summer signing and veteran Neto, Greenwood played almost the full 90 minutes as Cherries pegged Norwich back twice before beating the Canaries on penalties.

Fellow debutant Brooklyn Genesini, a former housemate of Greenwood, touched home Dominic Sadi’s cross to send the tie to the shootout, whilst the left-back’s current housemate, Christian Saydee, converted his spot-kick.

“As a kid, it's all that I wanted to do,” the left-back told the Daily Echo.

“To win the way we did and to see all my boys shine, it couldn't have gone any better in my opinion.

“I found out on Sunday afternoon that I was with the first team on Monday – I’d got a text. I therefore had an inkling that I might be in the squad. I then found out during the session that I was starting.

“At first I was the only one out of the boys to be starting but then Jamal Lowe got ill in the warm up and Christian Saydee got the nod. He was superb.

“The game was on my mind, but I did sleep well to be fair!

“The nerves built up on the journey today, but I enjoyed every bit of it."

Speaking on sharing a pitch with his close friends Saydee and Genesini, Greenwood shared: “I’m close with them both. I live with Christian and I used to live with Brooklyn – they’re my brothers. Seeing them do well is almost as good as doing well yourself.

“Dom (Sadi) has joined us recently and is a quality player – you can see the impact he's made. Owen came on today too and he was superb.

“Even all the boys on the bench, their time is coming as they’re great players. It's nice to do it all together. I'm excited for the season, I really am.

“As soon as I get on the bus, I'm going to check on when the draw is and see who's up next.

“The lads proved themselves today and the gaffer has trusted us out there. Hopefully we’ve repaid that with our performance and the attitude we showed.”

An early booking for hauling down Sam Byram threatened Greenwood throughout the contest, but the defender admitted despite only being 19, he had already found his name in multiple referee’s books.

“I had to manage myself a little bit with the early yellow card,” he continued.

“I’ve picked up a few yellows in my time already, but I thought I did well with that and a few of the staff said the same.

“I'm buzzing with how it’s gone and it's always nice to win on penalties too!”

“Brooklyn and Christian are both my age and have been with me since I've came here.