Ryan Barnett is pushing for regular Telford starting spot
On-loan midfielder Ryan Barnett is determined to be a regular starter for AFC Telford United after getting his first goal for the club.
Barnett, who is with the Bucks until March from county neighbours Shrewsbury Town, struck in the weekend’s 4-3 FA Trophy win against Farsley Celtic.
It was the 19-year-old’s second start in a row – after not having much game time in his initial month-long stay with Gavin Cowan’s side.
“Gav’s got his own way – how he wants to press, how he wants to play,” said Barnett.
“My first month here, I wasn’t really in the team. I was just seeing how they play.
“But now I’m fitting into it and hopefully I can keep my place.
“You’ve got to be patient. I’ve learnt that being on the bench at Shrewsbury. Gav’s put me in and I’m just trying to take that chance with both hands.”
Barnett has played twice for Town this campaign too.
He is keen to turn at heads at Telford – to boost their National League North play-off hopes and his own chances of breaking into the Salop first team.
“It’s important for my development. When you’re 19 years-old, you want to be playing football,” said Barnett.
“If I can show I can play first-team football at this age, who knows what can happen in the future?
“If Shrewsbury see me doing well, they might call me back. Or they might put me in after my spell here. You never know.”
A sign of Barnett’s commitment to making a breakthrough is that he’s training with both the Bucks and Town.
“When Telford train at night, I go into Shrewsbury in the day, so I’m still around the squad – I’m not out of sight and out of mind,” he said.
