HE has been a regular visitor to Portman Road for almost 15 years and still uses the word “we” when talking about the Blues.

But young keeper Sam Walker will never forget his first match playing at the home of Ipswich Town after starring for Northampton in their shock 2-1 Carling Cup win last night.

The 19-year-old, currently on loan at the Cobblers from Chelsea, made one fantastic save to deny Jay Emmanuel-Thomas an equaliser – as his Town-loving dad watched on from the stands.

Speaking of playing at the ground where he has spent many years as a fan, Walker said: “It sort of dawned on me in the afternoon what was actually happening.

“I have been here so much as a fan so when I got to the stadium and walked out on the pitch, it was big. Once I was on the pitch, you sort of block those things out.

“Now I am over the moon. It was really pleasing for me to play where I have grown up in football and come away with the result.

“But had we lost 5-0, I would still have enjoyed the moment – but not the game.”

Walker was beaten all ends up by Emmanuel-Thomas’ speculative 11th minute opener – the former Arsenal man shooting from the angle of the penalty area and finding the top of the far corner.

But goals from Ben Tozer and Paul Turnbull booked Northampton’s place in the second round.

When asked about whether his first goal in a Town shirt was a shot or a cross, Emmanuel-Thomas simply said: “That is between me and the ball.”

As well as looking to help Northampton gain promotion to League Two, Walker will also go back to being a die-hard Blues fan.

He said: “We (Ipswich) have started well. Promotion is the main aim and I firmly believe we can do that.”