WHEN Baily Cargill told his family not to bother making the trip to Old Trafford, it probably did not seem a big deal.

After all, the 21-year-old had never made a league appearance for Cherries and had not featured for the first team in more than 13 months. His previous 10 outings had come while on loan at League One Gillingham earlier in the season.

But when Cargill replaced Tyrone Mings with 12 minutes remaining of the clash with Manchester United, a little bit of history was made. The Winchester-born defender became the first player to feature in the Premier League having come through the youth ranks at Dean Court, a fact he only became aware of when academy boss Joe Roach sent him a congratulatory text message.

And thanks to the Sky cameras, Cargill's nearest and dearest were able to witness this seminal moment.

"My family asked me if they should come to the game but I told them I probably wouldn't get on and not to bother!" said Cargill.

"I've got loads of family who watch me wherever I go. If they know I'm playing, they will be there. My mum, dad, brother, sister, uncle and grandad – there are loads of them who would have come.

"They managed to watch it on TV and they said they wouldn't have changed anything about the way it happened because they all enjoyed watching it together.

"They were proud as punch. My mum and dad have been there for me the whole way through. They have taken me to places and have been dreaming about it, just as I have.

"They were over the moon."

Cargill's tale of academy youngster to Premier League player has a Roy of the Rovers feel to it. And the defender admits stepping on the pitch at the Theatre of Dreams was an unforgettable experience.

He said: “Looking back on it, I still can’t believe it. I’ve always dreamt of it. I couldn't have made my debut at a better place and it was something I will never forget.

"Not many people get to do that so I feel privileged. It's an achievement and something I'm proud of.

"It was the most fans I've ever played in front of. The ground is massive and the atmosphere is great so I think that just added to the occasion. It made it so special it being at Manchester United.

"I was warming up a lot but was unsure if I was going to get on. When the gaffer did call me, I didn't have time to think about what was going on. It just sort of happened. Before I knew it, I was on the pitch.

"If I'm being honest, I didn't think about my performance too much. I was thinking more about not conceding. As long as we didn't concede, I would have felt I had helped the team.

"I think I did alright. I was a bit nervous, of course, but we didn't concede and managed to get a point so that's all that matters."

With Tyrone Mings suspended and skipper Simon Francis having struggled with injury recently, Cargill could be an option for boss Eddie Howe against West Ham at Vitality Stadium tomorrow (3pm).

And Cargill knows the rest of this season is a key time for his career.

He added: "The next two or three months are really important for me. If I can train well and get myself in and around the team, that would be a great achievement.

"I want to be able to say I've played a few games in the Premier League by the end of the season. The next few months will determine how good the next six to 12 months are."