The Shrimps’ academy graduate made his professional debut for the club in Tuesday night’s 2-0 defeat at the hands of Carlisle United in the Papa John’s Trophy.
The 18-year-old, who signed his first professional contract with the club in May this year, was called up to the starting XI following an injury sustained by Kyle Letheren.
The Portuguese man joined Morecambe as a 16-year-old and says making his first professional appearance for the club is a proud occasion for himself and his family.
“I was a bit surprised to be fair,” he said.
“Unfortunately Kyle [Letheren] got injured in the warm-up, but that’s the reason why we work every day, everyone’s ready to go in if needed.
“I was waiting for my moment, it came up unexpectedly, but it was good, it was a great experience, to play at this place is great.
“Unfortunately we didn’t get the win, but we’ll hopefully pick up the pieces and work out what we need to bring the win back.”
Despite the result, the former SL Benfica Academy man pulled off several superb saves to keep the Shrimps in the tie and was voted as sponsor’s Man of the Match, and Da Silva Mendes says he’s constantly learning from the goalkeeping department at the Mazuma Stadium.
He added: “I had the opportunity and the pleasure to train with Baz [Roche] at one point, and it’s great to train with them every day, experienced goalkeepers.
“They teach me a lot, we have a lot of banter for me looking 38, but it’s great to learn from them, we have banter but when we take it serious, they’re always behind me, always supporting me and giving me advice about everything.
“I’ll be ready for whatever comes, I’m ready whenever the gaffer wants to put me in, I’m up for it.”