There was no need for petrol station flowers or a mad dash to the supermarket for a last minute gift this Mother's Day for Albert Eames.
Instead, the 18-year-old was able to give his mum a gift even he wouldn't have known about when he woke up on Sunday March 10.
A text message and call from the recently-promoted Interim Head Coach Tom Cleverley confirmed that he was to train with the first team for the rest of the season.
"I found out on Mother's Day, so Mum said it was a lovely present," Eames said with a smile.
For the right-back, who was already playing above his age group by featuring regularly for the Under-21s, it marks an exceptional rise that may not have been possible four years ago.
"I used to play for Berkhamsted Raiders, then I got scouted by Jason Grace, who I am still in touch with," he said.
"I joined the club at the Under-8 level, but then at Under-14s I got released.
"When I heard the bad news, I wanted to prove them wrong. Because of COVID they gave a six-week extension trial, and Armand [Kavaja], who was Under-15 coach, re-signed me, and I’ve been here ever since."
Being released made Eames even hungrier to make it. He worked with three of the current first-team coaching staff in Kavaja and Damon Lathrope at Under-16s, and Cleverley at the Under-18s.
Despite working with the coaches previously, Eames has noticed the difference in first-team training, saying: "It is a lot more intense, the tempo is a lot quicker, and you have less time to think about what you’re doing."
The teenager is taking it all in his stride, adding: "If you play with better players, then it makes you a better player, so it has been very good."
When Cleverley spoke to Eames to discuss his call-up, the Interim Head Coach told him he believed he was ready. He proved this point by naming Eames on the bench for his first game in charge away to Birmingham City.
"It was a very good experience, and a great win," Eames said.
"I had to sing the night before, so it was good to get that out of the way!"
He was one of six Academy graduates in that squad, which made the occasion even more special for the youngster.
"It shows how the coaches believe in the Academy, and it is really good to see all us boys being in and around the first team."
His ambitions don't end with him just being around the squad, with Eames finishing by saying: "Hopefully I'll make my debut this year - that's my aim.
"I will keep working, and see what happens."
