Luke Gambin believes his first start for Barnet proves that young players in the Bees Academy will be given an opportunity in the first team if they work hard.

The 19-year-old made his debut for Barnet as a late substitute in the 4-0 win over AFC Wimbledon at the end of last season.

He had appeared three more times as a substitute during the current campaign before being handed his first start in the Bees 4-1 victory against Morecambe on Saturday.

Gambin scored the Bees equaliser before winning a penalty after a foul by Shrimps goalkeeper Barry Roche – who was sent off for denying a goal-scoring opportunity.

“It was my first 90 minutes for the first team and it is a completely different game to the Under-21s football I am used to playing,” Gambin explained.

“I got into the game as it went on. I thought I did ok and I am over the moon with my first goal. So I couldn’t ask for more.

“The boys were great. As a team we played very well.”

He continued: “I have got my first start so I now have to stay in the team and keep my shirt. But if not I want to be in the squad as much as possible and keep coming off the bench.

“If you work hard you get your reward. The coaches in the Academy are great. You get pushed and told how to improve your game. So it shows that it is possible to come through and break into the first team.

“I am not going to get carried away. I need to work hard still and I am just going to take it from here.”