Former St George’s and Union Mills defender Adam Long made his first-team debut for Wigan Athletic on Tuesday night.

The 16-year-old centre-back was one of six academy players given their senior bow in the Latics’ Checkatrade Trophy victory over Middlesbrough’s under-21 side.

Wigan won 4-1 to maintain their hopes of progressing in the competition for League One and Two clubs and selected Premier League and Championship u21 sides.

It is believed Long is the first Manx-born player to have played for an English professional league side since ex-Ramsey player Kenny Burns turned out 14 times for Tranmere Rovers in the 1946-47 season.

Long, who was replaced by former Irish international Alex Bruce in the 75th minute, gave an assured performance earning praise from the squad’s senior players and coaches involved.

Indeed the talented teen was unlucky not to score when a header midway through the first half was deflected wide.

A delighted Long, who signed a two-year scholarship with the club in the summer said: ’It felt amazing last night to make my debut at such a young age. Especially in front of my family and friends.

’I never would of thought this time last year I’d be playing at such a high level.

’All the senior lads were amazing and gave me some really positive feedback.’

Speaking about Adam’s debut academy manager Gregor Rioch, who visited the island earlier this year to give a coaching workshop, said: ’An incredible evening - it was great to see so many of the lads make their full debuts.

’I think the confidence built for each of the boys as the game grew on. Adam Long was really calm and collected as a 16-year-old.’

Among the crowd of 1,100 at the DW Stadium were Adam’s family and his coaches at St George’s Lee Dixon and Chris Bass Sr.

Long’s attentions will now turn to Wigan under-18s’ FA Youth Cup tie away at Morecambe next Tuesday evening.

The club’s next game in the Checkatrade Trophy takes place on Tuesday, November 7 when Athletic host Accrington Stanley. Hopefully Long will be given the chance to build on his impressive senior debut in that one.