Wycombe boss Gareth Ainsworth was full of praise of Chris Forino following his league debut in midweek.
The youngster started in the 2-1 win over Burton Albion on December 7 which was his professional league debut.
Forino, who gave up a place at university to become a professional player, played the full 90 minutes in the win against the Brewers, where he was also named Man of the Match.
He deputised for Ryan Tafazolli and Anthony Stewart, who missed the match due to illness.
Less than a year ago I was at University with no dream of playing professionally again, this club has shown me just how much I really do love the game. Delighted with my debut goal and thank you to the travelling fans for the support💙 pic.twitter.com/A2MyDYZQnG
— CForino (@Chrisforino2) November 6, 2021
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Ainsworth said: “You have to trust your players, and the young lads are here for a reason.
“They know they have to be ready to play at any time, and it was great for Chris to get that opportunity.
“He was alongside two great players in Jack (Grimmer) and Joe (Jacobson) - you couldn't wish to make your league debut alongside two better professionals - and they helped him a lot.
"Chris came here to make up the numbers at first, if I'm honest.
"We were short of numbers for a trialist game and Sam Grace knew of him, so brought him in.
“As soon as I saw him play in that game, I said let's get him training with us.
League debut to be capped of with 3 points and a first MOTM on my mums birthday was a little bit special 💙 pic.twitter.com/ojcrokot1F
— CForino (@Chrisforino2) December 8, 2021
"He'd been at university and pursuing his studies so he wasn't in perfect shape at first, so we got him in the gym working on his posture and strength, and a lot of credit goes to our medical team of Cian, Aly and Isaac for helping him get up to fitness.
"I was delighted for him to make his league debut, and he came up to me first thing this morning and said thank you for the opportunity.
“He's got that humility about him and I'm really pleased and proud of him."
Following his move to Adams Park in April, Forino has played four times for Wycombe and has scored once.
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