Defender Dan Ellison is looking to stake his claim to be in Yeovil Town’s starting XI next season between now and the end of the season.
The 21-year-old was signed from League Two Bristol Rovers by former boss Richard Dryden in October but did not feature much under him and was loaned out to National League South play-off chasers Weston-super-Mare where he has impressed.
He made his first start for the Glovers in the 2-1 defeat at Eastleigh on Bank Holiday Monday and popped up with a late consolation goal in the second minute of stoppage time at the end of the game.
Speaking to BBC Somerset’s Josh Perkins after the game, Ellison said: “It has been a tough season, tough mentally. Moving on from Bristol Rovers and coming here and then going on loan at Weston which was brilliant to actually play. I felt I did really well at Weston and really enjoyed it there, but coming back here is everything I wanted, I have a point to prove and I am getting chance until the end of the season. I am grateful to be back here.
“I feel I deserve (the opportunity). I came in here to be starting in the team but it did not end up happening which is fine, so I have gone to Weston and I feel like I have earned my place, earned the chance so I am going to enjoy playing until the end of the season.”
With captain Jake Wannell missing through injury, Finn Cousin-Dawson out suspended and fellow centre half Joy Mukena struggling with a hamstring injury, Ellison was recalled from Weston last week and was a second half substitute in the home win over Truro City on Good Friday.
He said: “I felt like I did fairly well (against Eastleigh) and to get a goal as well, it has been a while since I have scored so I was happy with that. It would have been nice to get a result as well, we were not a million miles off it but I am just happy to be playing.
“It was a tough game, the boys are playing through injuries and stuff, but we have to say thanks to the fans for being brilliant today and in the last game as well and we want that to continue.”