It was a day of mixed emotions for Zavon Hines on Sunday as he had his first taste of Barclays Premier League football with West Ham United.
Hines' top-tier debut arrived when he came on with six minutes remaining of Sunday's London derby. Sadly, he could not help the home side force a late equaliser after Aaron Lennon had given Spurs a 2-1 lead.
"It was a kind of weird day," Hines said. "I was hoping I'll come on for my debut but then we lost so I don't know whether to be happy or sad."
Hines has real cause for optimism after enjoying another promising pre-season in claret and blue. After goals against Grays Athletic and Beijing Guoan in China, Hines latest strike came when he scored a classy second in last Wednesday's 2-1 friendly win at Watford.
However, the man who also scored five friendly goals in the summer of 2008, will be not hoping for a case of déjà vu this time around after a knee injury ruled him out for much of last season.
"It was good to get out there. It was good to make my debut especially as I've been injured. My main aim is just to keep fit and try to play games."
Hines now has the perfect platform to get another appearance under his belt when another of West Ham's local rivals visit the Boleyn Ground. Kenny Jackett's Millwall will make the short trip north for Tuesday night's Carling Cup second-round tie.
"Hopefully we can turn it around on Tuesday against Millwall and I am involved in that one," Hines said.
It is a competition that already holds good memories for the forward. The striker, who was called up to the Jamaica squad for the first time last season, scored on his first-team debut in last season's 4-1 second-round win over Macclesfield Town at the same stage of the competition.
"My aim is to try and get on and score at least one or two. I scored on my debut last year and I'm going to try to repeat that."
For ticket information for Tuesday's game, which kicks-off at 7.45pm, click here.