Patrick Roberts says it is a dream come true to be joining the Fulham first-team squad for pre-season training.
A year ago the highly-rated winger had only just started his scholarship at the west London club.
Twelve months on and the 17-old-year is training alongside the likes of Scott Parker, Hugo Rodallega and Maarten Stekelenburg.
He also has a UEFA U17 European Championship winners’ medal to his name.
Patrick Roberts celebrates his goal for England against Portugal
And Roberts says he is relishing his rise to the limelight.
“It was an unbelievable year really, and having done well for the Under-18s I gradually started training a bit more with the first-team squad,” said Roberts in an interview on Fulham's website.
“There’s a few of the younger players that have been brought in, and the older guys have been really good with us.
“Obviously we’ve had some new players come in as well, and it’s been nice to get to know everyone – it’s a really good group.”
Roberts played a key role in England's U17 European Championship triumph in Malta in May.
He was also an FA Youth Cup runner-up as Fulham were narrowly beaten by Chelsea after two late goals from Dominic Solanke.
“I just want to continue developing as a player and hopefully get some more games”
Patrick Roberts Fulham
However, Fulham’s senior side did not fare so well and were relegated to the second tier for the first time in 13 seasons.
And as he steps up his pre-season preparation, Roberts says he is focused on securing a first-team spot and helping to fire Fulham back to the top tier.
“I just want to continue developing as a player and hopefully get some more games - that’s all you can really hope for on a personal level,” he added.
“As for the team, the aim is to get ourselves back into the Premier League, that’s what everyone associated with the club wants.”
