It’s been a bit surreal, to be honest with you, travelling with the first team and coming on tour.

I’ve learned a lot from being here; it’s been very good. Being around the senior players has been a huge benefit and being in this professional environment and seeing how they prepare up close has been an amazing experience for me. In fact, not just me – but the other younger lads too.

The senior players have been great and they’ve made us feel comfortable off the pitch, in the hotel and things like that.

It’s been the same with the coaching staff, too. They’ve allowed us to feel free, haven’t put too much pressure on us and it’s been the perfect introduction to a fresh environment.

It’s my first time in Australia; I’ve never travelled this far! So far, I really like it. I haven’t been out much, though, to be honest with you.

I’ve been focused on my football, so just training and then recovering and resting. I’ve been in my room, speaking to my family, speaking to my boys back home whenever I can. It’s not easy to do that too often, though, due to the time difference.

Obviously, there are a few other Academy boys here with me; that’s made things easier too. We’re all good friends, and we’re always together when we have downtime in the hotel.

As I say, we’ve been really well looked after in Australia and the senior boys have been great. They’ve all made us feel welcome and part of the group, giving us good advice too.

Especially people like Levi [Colwill] and Wesley Fofana. Wes is a very good person to be around; he makes us feel very comfortable. It’s the same with Levi.

He’s obviously been in my position before – a young guy that’s come through the Academy –  and he’s been amazing with me.

He’s such a great example to look at and follow. It’s great to be around Levi as he gives such good advice and is always there to chat to if you need it.

I really hope I can take these experiences with me into the season and push on. It can only benefit me, and I’m thankful for the opportunity and experience.