Mansfield Town

Hat-trick hero Tyler Walker says that despite netting on three occasions during Stags' 6-1 win over Accrington Stanley, he is 'happier' about how his team performed as a whole to book their place in the next round of the Carabao Cup.

The on-loan striker rolled home two penalties in four minutes before claiming the match ball with an expert finish in first-half injury time.

It marked a goal return of four in three for Walker, who was in high spirits after his side’s demolition job against League One opposition.

“Just coming out of the changing rooms the lads are obviously delighted,” said Walker.

“We’ve played really well against a League One team that did great last season [earning promotion] and we’re all buzzing to be in the hat for the next round.

“For the squad as a whole it’s a great confidence boost but we can’t get too ahead of ourselves.

"I’m here to score goals and I did that today which I’m really happy about, too. I’m happier, though, about the team’s overall performance, the win and the fact we're in the next round."

“We just have to look to Colchester and forget what’s happened tonight but still take the confidence forward with the way that we played – some of the football tonight was really good.”

Walker then added the fact that he is simply enjoying his football with Mansfield Town.

“I’m really happy and enjoying my football, as well as playing with some really good players and that always helps when you’re getting the service.

“I’m here to score goals and I did that today which I’m really happy about, too. I’m happier, though, about the team’s overall performance, the win and the fact we're in the next round.

“It was a great performance tonight so I’m buzzing.”

Walker then spoke with regards to his teammates – specifically the fact that the Stags are able to cut it against even tougher opponents.

“We’ve got a really good team and we showed in pre-season, against tougher opponents, that we can cut it against anyone.

“At home I feel like no matter who comes here we can give them a really good go. We did that tonight for sure.”

Tonight’s win ensured the Stags would play a part in the second round of the League Cup for the first time since 2006, and the 21-year-old walks away with the match ball knowing exactly where it’s going.

“The match ball’s definitely going on the mantelpiece; I just have to get the lads to sign it, so yes, I’m buzzing!”

iFollow Stags subcribers will soon be able to watch Tyler Walker's post-match interview in full by logging into mansfieldtown.net/ifollow.