Portugese starlet Joao Carlos Teixeira made his first appearance in a red shirt when he appeared during the U18s friendly 8-1 win over Exeter on Saturday morning.
The midfield playmaker, who arrived at the Academy from Sporting Lisbon, enjoyed a 25 minute run-out in the second half.
The Portugese youth international didn't feature for the Academy last term because of a niggling back problem, but now fully fit, he is set to be a regular in Kirkby this season.
A youthful Exeter side had travelled up on the morning of the match and several regulars from the reserve team squad were on duty for the Reds including Michael Ngoo and Toni Silva, who spent the final part of last term on loan at Northampton Town.
Jordan Sinclair netted a hat-trick, while Silva, Sam Gainford, Kristoffer Peterson, Marc Pelosi and Danny Smith were also on target.
