Carlisle United Football Club

“Saturday’s game was really enjoyable because Oldham are a decent team,” he said. “It was always going to be a good test because they’re a league above us. 

“I thought we played well and winning games put you in good stead for the start of season. Ultimately it’s about showing the manager you’re ready to start. I’ve started a few pre-season games and I’m hoping to have done enough. It’s been a tough pre-season package, and it does feel like it’s gone by quickly, but the things we’ve done have got us to where we are now – being ready to kick things off at the weekend.”

On the new role he has been asked to play, he said: “I like to get forward so I’m enjoying the wing back role. 

“It’s good to get a few crosses in, get into the box and have chances to score a goal as well. I haven’t managed that but yet but hopefully I’ll get one this season. The goal will definitely come. Hopefully it’ll be in a league game or for something that’s important, when it means more. 

“Helping Derek [Asamoah] get his goal at the weekend was good. I’d actually just done a run before that, so I was tired, but I saw Mark [Gillespie] catch the ball and I knew he was going to throw it because of the amount of space there was. 

“Thankfully I managed to get there and I only took two touches before I put it in the box. It’s always good to see it go in the back of the net. That type of goal has been worked on for a few weeks now. We’ve looked at counter attacking and, on that occasion, they were all pushed up. That’s when we want to look at getting on the attack as quickly as we can.” 

“I’d say my pace is one of my biggest assets at the moment,” he agreed. “I’m able to use it to get up and down the pitch, and when a cross comes off it feels really good. It’s hard work covering that ground all the time but it’s a great position to play.”

And on the season kick off being just a few days away, he said: “There aren’t too many butterflies around right now but I’m sure that will start on Friday and Saturday. It’s just good for us to have the real thing coming along again. 

“Pre-season games are all well and good but it’s totally different when something is resting on it. Mansfield away is another test but it’ll show whether or not we can deal with it. 

“I can’t wait for it to be honest. We’re looking to set the season off with a win so we can get off to a good start.”