By Daniel Igra

A footballer who spent a decade trying to force his way into his club’s first team has made his debut within days of turning 40.

Alan Cooley, a regular for Sporting Hackney’s second string over the past 10 years, played the second half of a key cup first-team clash.

Cooley said he was “over the moon” to take part in the side’s 7-1 quarter-final demolition of Sudbury Court.

“I’ve been working towards this moment for my entire career.”

The 40 year old, who prefers to play “in the hole” behind the strikers, said he had a “tear in [his] eye” before pulling on the first-team shirt – even though it was not the first time he had worn the kit.

“That was actually the second team kit last year and the firsts nicked it.”

First team manager Ben Watson said Cooley’s call-up was a reward for years of hard work.

“Alan had been putting in some great performances at training and deserved this opportunity.

He joked that he had been a useful addition for another reason – he was linesman for the first half of the match.

“His knowledge of the offside law is second to none,” he said.

Cooley now hopes he can line up for the first team in a cup final. Sporting Hackney have qualified to the semi finals of two knockout competitions, the first of which takes place on April 4.

The team also sit in third place in the first division of the London Commercial League and are on a six-game winning streak.