Zak Gilsenan keen to build on 'dream' Blackburn Rovers debut

Gilsenan missed the best part of a year with an ACL issue before returning to action for Mike Sheron’s Under-21 side last season.

The 20-year-old was regularly involved in pre-season after putting pen to paper over a new two-year deal over the summer.

He was on target in the behind-closed-doors game against Barnsley and also scored from the penalty spot against Stockport County.

“I couldn’t have asked for it to go much better,” the youngster told RoversTV. “Being with (the first team) in pre-season and just being around good players all the time, it has been a good experience.

“I always set goals and they were probably a lot less than what has actually happened. I just wanted to train with them and if I got any minutes, I would be happy.

“But in pre-season, I started plenty of games and I was happy with how it went. We played a game against Barnsley and I got a goal in that one.

“That gave me confidence to go into the Stockport game and play in front of fans. I just wanted to take the penalty in front of everyone and it felt good.”

Gilsenan’s pre-season form earned him a first competitive start in the 4-3 victory against Walsall in the Carabao Cup opening round and the made the most of his chance, getting on the scoresheet and being named Man of the Match.

The attacker, who had spells in the Academies of Barcelona and Liverpool before joining Rovers’ ranks at Under-16 level, admits it was a special occasion for his family.

Gilsenan celebrates with Jake Garrett (Image: Camerasport)

“It was surreal,” he continued. “I knew the day before, the pulled me aside in training and said I was starting. I was lost for words.

“I was nervous in the build-up to the game but as soon as you get a few touches on the ball, you start to get into it and I felt good.

“It was the first time I have seen my name on the back of the shirt so I thought, ‘Wow’. Going out on the pitch for the warm-up, I was really nervous but you take it all in and take it in your stride.”

Gilsenan slotted home from close range after some good work by Ryan Hedges on the right wing, providing an immediate response after Rovers had gone behind against the Saddlers.

“In my head I was just saying, ‘Hit the target’. It ended up hitting the defender but he was in the net. It is the best feeling in the world,” he smiled.

“I knew it was in but I was thinking, ‘What if the ref doesn’t give it?’ It was my first goal, I didn’t know what to do.

“The first thing that came into my head was my family and stuff like that, but you have got to focus on the game and go again.”

When asked if the game could have gone any better, the youngster replied: “Not really, maybe I could have made sure the goal was clearer!

“When I heard that I got Man of the Match, I came off and heard it through the speakers and knew that my family would be buzzing.”

The moment was even sweeter following Gilsenan’s difficult road back from the ACL injury which he suffered while representing the Republic of Ireland at youth level.

“At the time, it was hard to take,” he recalled. “It was while I was away on international duty. I have a really supportive family and the club was really good with me.

“It felt like ages, it took a whole year until I played my next game. You learn a lot about yourself and mentally, I got stronger. I think it was something I needed.

“In the gym I was getting stronger. It was something I needed in a way when you look back. It affected me positively and negatively.

“I always dreamed about making my debut at Ewood in front of fans. Watching all the other lads train when I couldn’t, it’s a hard thing but it just makes you want to come back even better and stronger.”

After making a positive impression on his senior debut, the attacker is now eager to push on and keep improving.

“It gives you a lot of confidence,” he explained. “It was the start I really wanted, to show the gaffer I can play and that he can trust me.

“It was something I had dreamed of. I just want to go again and I am hungry for more.

“It is just about being patient because I am still young and learning every day in training. When the next opportunity comes, I want to take it and do better.”