He joined Carlisle for a month last week and was named in the starting eleven for their game against Portsmouth at Fratton Park, but it wasn't a happy start for the central defender whose team conceded three goals, going down 3-0 to Pompey.
However, manager Keith Curle said of his performance: "I liked his aggression and I liked the way he wanted to compete. It was a tough one for him because he was in a back four which I thought became a bit lazy.
Prior to the game, Tom gave an interview for the Carlisle web site. He told them: "I've been with a few clubs in the Conference but I'm pleased I've been able to make this jump. I'm looking forward to giving it a good go.
"I feel like I'm ready for the step up to League Two. I've been with four other teams and I feel like I've progressed each time I've been with another club. Some people make this jump up at a younger age but it's comer a bit later for me. I've taken longer to fill out but I'm ready for it now."
He added: "I did feel a little bit nervous driving up the M6 on my way here but I think that shows how much you care. I really want this to go well."
Asked about his strengths, he joked: "I'm 6ft 4ins tall so heading is a strength. I can probably head it further than I can kick it to be honest."
Carlisle are at Peterborough in the FA Cup next weekend. Whether he plays in that came could be decided by Burnley who may opt not to want him cup tied, but his home debut could come a week on Saturday when they face Accrington and he could come up against his former youth team colleague Shay McCartan who has netted three times in his two starts for Stanley this season.
Our three other players out on loan were all able to taste success on Saturday. Luke O'Neill was in the Scunthorpe side that, surprisingly, won 2-1 at Peterborough, a result that's moved them off the bottom of League One.
Alex Cisak kept a clean sheet for League Two strugglers York who got a big win at Cheltenham but Danijel Nizic did concede some goals in Chorley's win at Gainsborough but they went on to win the game 4-3.