WHEN Nathan Baxter makes his Accrington Stanley debut it will be a first for his dad, Richard.

The young Chelsea goalkeeper has played 136 senior games in spells for the Metropolitan Police, Solihull Motors, Woking, Yeovil and Ross County.

The loan journey has now brought him to the Wham Stadium.

The 21-year-old was on the bench for Saturday's win over Rochdale, where the Reds came from behind to get the three points.

But when the time comes for his debut, with fans not yet allowed back into stadiums it is likely that Richard will miss it.

"I said to him this will probably be the first time after 136 senior games that he won't watch," said Baxter, ahead of tomorrow's trip to Ipswich Town.

"He missed a few when I was in the Under 18s and 23s at Chelsea but he's never missed any of my senior games.

"I'm sure he will be watching it on the stream.

"It doesn't bother me. But it's obviously gutting as a player to not have supporters in the stadium."

Baxter cannot wait to run out in front of a busy Wham Stadium and hear the sound of the Stanley Ultras.

"It's part of the reason why I play football at this level and why when I was 17 I wanted to go out and play men's football because I wanted to experience the supporters. There's nothing better than the feeling you get at the end of a 1-0 win in front of the fans and that relationship as a player," said the stopper.

"Because I've been in the Conference where after the games you go and speak with the supporters in the bar after - I really like that side of things - and I think that's pretty similar at this club as well.

"The sooner we can get the supporters back the better for everyone at the club."

For now, dad Richard will have to settle for a scarf from his son's new club.

"He has one from every club I've been to and he keeps them in a box," explained Baxter, who has been with Chelsea since the age of eight.

"Over lockdown we tidied the whole house up and found all the scarves.

"He'll be buying one from Accrington."

Manager John Coleman has a potential selection dilemma for the goalkeeper's jersey for the trip to Portman Road.

Baxter will be itching to play, and game time is what Chelsea will no doubt be expecting from the deal, but Toby Savin has started the season well.

"It is an opportunity and we have been blessed with some top goalkeepers who have come to us and gone on to have smashing careers," said Coleman.