Church says he wants to remain on centre stage.

WALES rookie Simon Church admits he was thrilled to have played a key role in Saturday's World Cup victory and has set himself the aim of becoming a regular for his country.

Making his first senior start for John Toshack's side against Azerbaijan in Baku, the Reading youngster put in a hard-working performance to build on the promising cameo he had given as a substitute against Estonia the previous weekend.

Now the 20-year old knows he must force his way into regular action with the Royals if he is to make his step-up from Brian Flynn's under-21 side a permanent one.

"It was a big moment for me to get a start in a game like this," said Church, who partnered Robert Earnshaw in attack at the Tofig Bahramov Stadium.

"But I've got a taste of it now and that's a massive incentive because this is somewhere I want to be for the rest of my career.

Ace Simon "I've made a breakthrough, but this is just the start and I know there are a lot of things I need to improve on if I want to come back into the squad.

"I'll have to start all over again after the summer because you can't rest on your laurels and hopefully I can get games at my club to help with that."

Church spent most of last season on loan at Wycombe and Leyton Orient, but was given the nod for Championship Reading in their play-off semi-final clash with Burnley.

And new Royals boss Brendan Rodgers will no doubt have been pleased with the impact of one of his new players on the international stage.

Church has insisted he will learn from the experience as he seeks to continue his development.

"I've never experienced anything like that with the atmosphere being so hostile and with a lot at stake," he said.

"After the first 10 minutes I was running on adrenaline and it caught up with me towards the end.

"I was willing to work hard because I know that's what I've got to do when I get the chance to show what I can do.

"With the goal I've always been taught to get across the front post and I was about an inch from getting a touch to it myself.

Church "I was really gutted but I turned around and looked up[ to see Dave putting it in so it didn't matter.

"It was great work from Earnie to get the ball in and the team throughout to hang on and we're all thrilled to get the win.

"But you hear the cliches of there never being an easy game in international football and I've now found how true that is.

"Azerbaijan passed the ball around well, they had their chances too. and they were difficult to break down, so for us to get the goal and hang on was a big thing for us as a young side and we will benefit from it."

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Ace Simon Church