Arsenal loanee Kaylen Hinds made his first start for Stevenage on Saturday in the 0-0 draw at Cambridge United having had to wait patiently for the opportunity.

The 19-year-old, who played for England at U18 and U17 levels, joined Darren Sarll’s League Two squad in the January transfer window and had previously made seven appearances from the Boro bench.

Of the young Gunner, the Boro boss told the Comet: “Kaylen has been very unfortunate since he has been here as since he signed we’ve carried on winning.

“I’ve had a real problem, for him not for me, trying to get him in the side because we have been winning.

“He’s had some excellent sub appearances.

“I thought Saturday was as tough as it got for him to jump into that type of game.

“He’s still trying to find his way with us and our pattern of play in relation to his philosophy strategy at Arsenal, he’s a young player and it’ll take time.

“He has good power, good pace; you saw a moment of Kaylen Hinds’ quality when he slipped Matt Godden in [against Cambridge], that’s his education and his standard, he’s an England international.

“I thought he acquitted himself very well and I thought he worked terrifically hard for his first game, I’d have thought it was a culture shock, but the best thing about Kaylen, unlike other young players from top clubs, is his attitude has been absolutely first class.

“I was pleased to be able to give him the start on Saturday as he was unfortunate not to play more games before then and he’ll get better and he knows it.”

The teenager has already used his time with the club to learn from seasoned professionals who have taken him under their wing.

Sarll added: “He associates himself with the right people.

“He travels in with Jobi McAnuff, he trusts him and there’s a good mentoring relationship there.”