Maidstone United teenager Tyler Hatton speaks about his first-team debut after representing his hometown club at every age group

Teenager Tyler Hatton is an example to youngsters at his hometown club after completing his journey into Maidstone United’s first team.

The midfielder has played for every age group since joining the club’s Pebbles programme as a four-year-old.

And on Saturday the second-year academy scholar made his senior debut as a late substitute in Maidstone’s 4-1 FA Cup Second Qualifying Round win at Steyning Town.

It was a special moment for the 17-year-old, a former Stones mascot, after making George Elokobi’s bench several times this season.

“As a young boy I’ve always played for Maidstone, so I’ve always looked up to the first team,” said Hatton.

“When I got my chance on Saturday, I took it as well as I could.

“I tried to play how I play and keep everything simple.

“I was very proud to make my debut.

“It came as a bit of a shock because it was the FA Cup and I thought maybe I wouldn’t get to go on.

“But I persevered through pre-season and finally my shot came around.

“The gaffer just said to go on and keep it simple and do what you do and I think I did all right.”

Supporters up and down the country love to see a local lad make it through to the first team.

Maidstone have a few of those in their ranks at the moment, with Bivesh Gurung, Perri Iandolo, Riley Court and Harley Earle all part of Elokobi’s National League South squad.

To represent every age group en route is a great achievement for Hatton, who on Tuesday night helped the club’s youngsters to a 5-1 FA Youth Cup win over Dartford.

“I’ve lived in Maidstone pretty much my whole life,” he said.

“It’s always been my local club and I’ve always aspired to be in the first team and the whole town know me.

“I started with the Pebbles at four or five and never left.

“I’ve played