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Once again, as it was when he made his Burnley debut at Norwich, he just got on with it leaving the nerves with his family who were proudly watching in the stand at the Kingston Communications Stadium.
It is difficult to believe that it is not much over two years since he made his reserve team debut at a time when he was still trying to establish himself in the youth team. That debut came at, of all places, RAF Cosford, and an 84th minute appearance as a replacement for Tony Ellis.
He was just making a name for himself at youth level when illness struck last season and he missed a lengthy part of the season. He returned earlier than expected and was back with the youth team in January.
Over the next few weeks he turned in some excellent performances for both youth and reserve teams and when the first team was decimated with injuries and poor form he found himself on the bench at Norwich.
That was 12th April last year and just after half time he received the call. Such was his reputation that two supporters in front of me asked which position he played whilst the gentleman behind me, a Mr. Chaplow Senior, admitted to being somewhat nervous.
He took to it like a duck to water and there were another four appearances, including two starts, and even his first reserve team goal by the end of the season.
Supporters hoped that he might establish himself in the first team squad this season but he’s surpassed those expectations by some distance. He’s become a regular, scored his first goals for the club and even learned something of the club’s history when he attended the launch of the Orient video.
Tonight though was something else, his first ever appearance in an England shirt. I cannot even begin to imagine how he felt on that touchline as he prepared to come on and neither can I imagine how his family must have felt sat there watching.
I do know that I saw it as a wonderful moment for our club to see one of our players wearing the white shirt of England. It doesn’t happen nearly often enough and now Richard’s name can be added to those select few who have represented our club in an England shirt.
I just wish I could have been there, along with other Burnley fans to give him our support – well done Richard we are so proud of you.