The match ended 0-0 with the contest reflecting two sides under pressure after long spells without a win.

In that context, Goodwin's performance shone brightly, vindicating the faith Heart coach John van 't Schip has shown in the South Australian, who found his way to the club through VPL club Oakleigh Cannons.

"I think he played very well. I was probably surprised he did that well. But knowing his qualities, knowing his touch, his cross, his mobility, it was not that I had doubts about him," the coach said.

"The first game is often where things can work out very well."

Van 't Schip said the choice to select the 20-year-old to make his debut in such a big match was not a hard one. He simply looked for the most appropriate player to fill the shoes of Aziz Behich, who is on international duty with the Australian Under 23s.

"It wasn't a difficult choice because we have seen him all year now (in the NYL). He's making very good progress," the Dutchman said.

"Where I come from, we always try to make it simple and when one left full back or is injured, we look at the next one, who is playing at a lower level. If he is not good enough or not ready then we will not take him.

"We had the impression that Goodwin was ready to play, even though it was a big game."

Goodwin was made aware that he was on the radar for a Derby debut over a week ago, an approach which gave him time to ready himself for the big stage

"Before the Wellington game I said he had to prepare himself to play this game. Three days ago, I more or less let him know that the chance was there for him to play," van 't Schip said.

"The other boys helped him a lot in feeling okay the last few days, in the game and through the game."

Goodwin becomes the latest of a long line of young players to make an impact at the Heart. Van 't Schip's commitment to youth has seen Heart unveil some of Australia's most promising players in the past two years.

Defender Curtis Good, who has been one of the youngsters to benefit from the coach's belief in youth, said the culture of the club ensures that players are ready to succeed as soon as they are given the chance.

"I guess the club is built on that. The first weeks at this club, straight away felt comfortable and that starts from the coaching staff and goes all the way down to the people in the office," the 18-year-old said.

"The experienced boys here as well, they take you under you wing and from there you feel comfortable."