ACCRINGTON Stanley's new left back, Liam Gibson, did not believe he would be in this position this time last year.

The Middlesbrough loanee was thrilled to keep a clean sheet in his first match as a Red as they drew 0-0 against Bristol Rovers.

Gibson highlighted the differences between under 23s football and league football as he made his first start senior start.

"If you had said that to me a year ago – that I’d be starting in League One, then I probably would’ve laughed at you.

"It just shows how far I’ve come and I’m obviously buzzing with how it's gone so far.

"I never actually thought I would play again when I was sitting in that hospital bed, now I’m back it’s a bit surreal and a bit weird.

"My family was here today, and they’ll all be buzzing about me playing.

"Everyone at Newcastle too, especially on the fitness side, the doctors and the physios, I’d just like to say thank you to them for getting me back playing," stated Gibson.

The left back was happy to contribute to a clean sheet and hopes the point will help Stanley push on for the rest of the season.

"Obviously, there’s a sense of frustration because everyone wants to win, but, like I said before, it’s a clean sheet.

"What more could you really ask for on your debut? Obviously, all the rest of the lads chipped in with that as well. I think everyone’s happy enough with the point.

"Yeah definitely, I think I did quite well but it’s a shame we couldn’t get the three points, but a point’s a point at the end of the day.

"Hopefully, it’ll stand us in good steed for the rest of the season," added the 21-year-old.

This was Gibson's first start in senior football and the Geordie compared how it differed from under 23 football.

"I think if you get that result at under 23 level then they probably wouldn’t be best pleased, but now I’m in the first team environment and I think everyone is buzzing with the point.

"It’s been really good, it’s been very different to under 23s like I said.

"I think that point can really push us on now and hopefully it can push us towards the top of the table rather than the bottom.

"The manager has been great with me and shown faith in me to start me straight away so hopefully I can kick on," said Gibson.