JON Guthrie says his confidence is sky-high after he made his ‘surprise’ full League One debut for Crewe Alexandra last weekend.

The 20-year-old defender, from Milton Lilbourne, played the full 90 minutes in the heart of the Railwaymen’s defence at AFC Bournemouth on Saturday but could not prevent the hosts’ Brett Pitman from netting a hat-trick as Crewe went down 3-1.

Guthrie made a sensational switch from Sydenhams League Pewsey Vale to Crewe almost a year ago and is craving more minutes in the league after his Bournemouth bow.

“It was a complete surprise because I hadn’t even been getting on the bench recently – I’d just been playing for the U21s,” said the Alex rookie, whose first appearance came as a late substitute against Swindon Town in October last year.

“I got told last Thursday that there was a possibility of me playing because we had some injuries, so I told people back home about it.

“My family, friends and my old Pewsey lot were there and it was great to see them in the crowd when I was warming up.

“I loved every minute of it and I just want more now. You never know if you’ll be good enough to play in the league and I know that I could have done better for the second goal but the manager Steve (Davis) said I had a decent debut.

“It’s a massive confidence boost for me.”

Crewe boss Davis said: “I thought Jon showed he can handle the level. He had a steady game and I was pleased with him.”