Louis Dennis takes on Wycombe's Sam Wood during his Daggers debut (Dave Simpson/TGS)

Dagenham & Redbridge striker Louis Dennis is hoping to repay the faith shown in him by manager John Still.

Dagenham & Redbridge’s young striker Louis Dennis hopes he can repay the faith shown in him by boss John Still after making his first-team debut in the 1-0 loss at Wycombe on Saturday.

Still included Dennis — who had recently returned from a loan spell at Ryman Premier Division outfit Canvey — among his substitutes at the weekend.

And he gave the 20-year-old his first taste of League Two football when he sent Dennis on for Brian Woodall just before the hour mark.

Although Dennis could not make the difference and find an equaliser for the Daggers, he was just pleased to get a taste of first-team action.

“It was just one of those games really, it was a battle from the start to the finish and it was hard to get the ball down and try to play. I tried to do my best,” said Dennis.

“It’s pleasing the manager had the faith to put me on, I am just a bit disappointed that I couldn’t make that difference.”

After progressing through the Victoria Road club’s academy, Dennis has spent a lot of time out on loan at non-league level, with Grays Athletic and Canvey.

During that time out on loan Dennis has played a large number of games and he feels that has been crucial as he continues to learn his trade.

“Matches teach you the most,” added Dennis.

“Getting thrown in to play games gives you the chances to pick up on things that you sometimes can’t learn about in training.

“I have tried to do as well as I can over my loan spells and hopefully I can continue to improve.”

Dennis also expressed his delight at extending his stay with the Daggers after signing a new two-year contract at the start of the month, which again shows the faith that boss Still has in the youngster.

“I am delighted to have signed the new deal and again I’m pleased that the manager has confidence in me to give me that,” said Dennis.

“At the moment it is about proving my worth to him. I am still young and still learning all the time. All I can do is learn as much as I can and take it all on board and push on.

“Behind the scenes I have got to keep up the hard work, that’s all I can do really to help me get further chances.

“I just want to try and get on and score goals, that is what you always want to do as a striker.”