Jack Deaman is hoping to follow up a hugely impressive Football League with another mature performance against Bristol City in Wednesday night's Johnstone's Paint Trophy second round tie (7.45pm).
The 21-year-old former Birmingham City defender was praised by Cheltenham Town boss Mark Yates for his display against AFC Wimbledon in last Saturday's 1-1 draw at Whaddon Road.
He was up against feared front men Adebayo Akinfenwa and Matt Tubbs, but just as he did against Championship club Brighton in the Capital One Cup and Oxford in the opening round of the Trophy, Deaman caught the eye, showing his undoubted potential.
"I am happy to be thrown in at the deep end and then it's up to me to show I can deal with good players," Deaman said.
"I hope I’ve given the manager something to think about with a good performance. I think I played well so I hope I’ve shown him what I can do and I’d love to keep my place and have a run in the team now.
"Fingers crossed I am involved against Bristol City, but that’s down to the manager."
Yates has already said it would be virtually impossible to leave Deaman out of the side after the way he played against Wimbledon.
Fellow defender Troy Brown and midfielder Jason Taylor are both back in contention following suspensions, but Asa Hall (calf) and Paul Black (illness) remain sidelined.
Deaman admitted it was a dream realised to have his first taste of Football League action, having spent last season with Conference South club Eastbourne Borough.
"Having been with Birmingham, I'd always had the aim of playing League football and there was real excitement to do it on Saturday after playing in the Capital One Cup and Johnstone's Paint Trophy," he said.
"I am loving it here and it helped knowing the place from my loan spell a couple of years ago, so I settled in very quickly. All the lads and staff have helped and I am really enjoying my football."