PHIL Edwards is determined to take his chance for Accrington Stanley if he makes his first start of the season at Notts County tomorrow (Sat).
The right-back says it has been frustrating being on the bench in the League Two campaign after making 27 appearances for the Reds in their Conference winning season.
But captain Peter Cavanagh is suspended following his sending off at Lincoln on Friday night and so Edwards is expected to slot into his role.
"Hopefully I will take my chance," said the 20-year-old.
"It has been so frustrating and hard watching the lads. I was really looking forward to playing in the league and it didn't happen straight away but now I have got to take my chance.
"Hopefully I can help them win now and stay in the team - even at the expense of Cav!
"We know we have been sloppy and conceded early goals which means we are always chasing the game. So we have got to try and keep teams out and snatch a goal at the other end.
"The lads have been a bit down as we know we can do better. Hopefully that was our blip and we can go on and win a few games now as there is a long way to go."
Boss John Coleman will have to shuffle his pack as defender Michael Welch is also suspended following his dismissal at Sincil Bank.
It puts the likes of Julien N'Da and Danny Ventre in line for their first start of the season. And he is expecting big things from the players who come in.
"The lads who come in have been waiting a long time and I know, if it was me, I would be determined to come in and keep my place," he said.
And Rommy Boco returns to the fold after missing Friday's 3-1 loss while on international duty with Benin. They lost 2-1 to Togo in the African's Nations Cup qualifiers.
"He had some good games before he went away so now he is back and we have got to hope his away trip hasn't damaged him," added Coleman.
Striker Andy Mangan is also hoping to be in the eleven with the boss saying: "Andy is pushing for a start. The two halves he has produced over the last two weeks have been good."
