Tall striker Connor Simpson is relishing the chance to make a big impression at Accrington Stanley.
The 19-year-old joined on a season-long loan from Championship side Preston North End on Monday and is now fighting to be in the squad for the trip to Bristol Rovers on Saturday.
The Middlesbrough-born frontman began his career at Hartlepool before North End snapped him up in January 2018. He made his Championship debut when he came on as a substitute against Aston Villa later that month.
He spent the second half of last season on loan at League Two Carlisle United.
”I am from Middlesbrough, in fact I used to play Sunday League football with Callum Johnson’s younger brother so I knew Callum when I arrived!
“At Hartlepool, I broke into the first team at 17, going on 18, and managed to get my first goal on my full debut against Maidstone in the Conference at the time in a 3-0 win.
“I moved to Preston not long after that and I have been out on loan a couple of times to non-league teams and last season I went to Carlisle.
“It didn’t really work out for me but I learnt a lot – I learnt about the league, I was involved in a number of games and I scored my first league goal against Port Vale.
“I don’t think I fitted into their system but coming here, watching against Fleetwood last night, it looks like there will be opportunities with the style of the play. I think I will suit the way Accrington play.”
He admitted he was excited to join Stanley, after a quick-fire move on transfer deadline day.
“I found out on Monday morning, as I was doing fitness tests at Edge Hill University, that Accrington had been in touch and wanted me to go on loan and I was buzzing.
“It’s a confidence boost that a League One team wanted me and hopefully I will take the opportunity and do well for the team and help them move up the league.”
At 6ft 6” he is a towering figure, but he says he has other attributes.
“Apart from being tall, I have a bit of pace, I have decent footwork and am decent with the ball. Being tall means I am good in the air. I have got a lot to learn but I feel like I can learn a lot off the manager here.
“There are quite a few players in my position so it’s competitive but I feel I can learn a lot from them in training and that will help everyone.
“Everyone is fighting for places and that will make the standard higher in training which will help coming into the league games.”