Arsenal's third-choice goalkeeper Matt Macey says his performance in Thursday's 0-0 Europa League draw with Red Star Belgrade was "a big step in my career" as he tries to earn a regular spot in the team.
Macey, 23, made his second start for Arsenal after filling in for the injured David Ospina in last week's 2-1 Carabao Cup win against Norwich, and made an excellent one-handed save in the first half to help preserve the draw against Red Star.
"It was obviously a big occasion for me," Macey told Arsenal's official website. "To play in Europe is a big step in my career, but the boys made it easy in front of me.
"They defended well and it was good test because they're a good side, but it's about building on that now. It's important that we qualify now with the other result going our way, but now we've got to finish the job and finish top."
Macey joined the Arsenal academy in 2013 and was a regular on the bench two years ago when Petr Cech and David Ospina both suffered injuries.
However, he had never played for the first team until last week against Norwich, spending last season on loan with League Two side Luton Town.
"Obviously that's the aim for all the young lads here in the academy," Macey said about getting his chance. "That's the dream when you join Arsenal as a kid -- to go on and be a regular -- and it's just part of the stepping stones. But there's a lot more hard work and I've got a lot more to do to make the next step."