Daniel Leadbitter relieved to make Torquay league debut

Leadbitter's substitute appearance at Bradford was his first league game

Torquay United defender Daniel Leadbitter says he is relieved to finally make his Football League debut.

The former Newcastle United trainee joined the Gulls in the summer but was hampered by a hamstring injury.

He made his first appearance against Bradford at Valley Parade.

"It was great. It was overdue, I'm 21 now, but it was great to finally get on the pitch and see what league football was all about," he told BBC Devon.

"There's no better place in League Two to make your debut, there were 11,000 people there.

"The crowd was great, be it they were supporting the other team, but the roar of the crowd was great and you don't get that in reserve team football."

Now he is back to full fitness, Leadbitter is hoping he can persuade manager Martin Ling to give him a chance in the first team.

"The lads who've been in there so far have done really well," he added.

"But I've got to show to Martin what I can do in the reserves and hopefully push for a place."