Leon Davies says “it feels good to be a part of the team” with the young right back determined to continue making the most of his opportunity.
The U’s academy product has stood up to the test well since being called upon following the shoulder injury to Kyle Knoyle earlier this month, and Davies explains it’s the spell he’s been ready and anticipating for a while.
“I’ve had to be patient and worked really hard in the off-season and even when I have been on the bench, so that I knew when the chance came I would be ready. It feels good to be a part of the team especially when we win but even when we lose and all the lads get round each other to figure out the problems together.
“I’ve really been aiming to do my best to take the chance and give the gaffer (Colin Calderwood) a problem on who he wants to play in this position. It’s the Club I have been watching since I was six years old, so it’s always good to play at the Abbey.”
Davies feels there has been an easier transition rather simply being thrust into first team action, thanks to the likes of experienced professionals such as Marc Richards to work alongside, who have helped him to bring out his best qualities.
He said: “Marc Richards has asked me where I aim to put crosses into the box so that he can get on the end of them. We’re trying to build up that relationship so that we can produce as many goals combined together as we can.
“I know if I can provide and put the cross into good positions then he’ll put them away.”
On the right wing back position he’s been asked to play by Colin Calderwood in recent games, Davies added: “It’s been a position coming through Cambridge United’s academy that I have always liked to play.
“It’s a role that suits my attributes, getting up and down as much as I can and being able to get crosses into the box which is one of my key strengths. In recent games it’s suited the team too and we’ve shown in the games at Brentford and late on at Colchester that the change in formation gives us another option. It’s good for all of us to be versatile.”
Reflecting on Saturday’s opening defeat of the season, Davies admits it was a frustrating afternoon at the Abbey but not one that should deter the U’s from what has been a positive start to the campaign.
He said: “It was disappointing not to have come away with at least a point. There was some sloppiness and it’s those mistakes we have to get on the training ground and look to iron out.
“I think when you have the start like we have had, we should expect a good level from ourselves in every match and also have the confidence that we can take points from every game we go into.
“But if you can’t win, it’s very important we don’t get beat. Even when we went down 1-2 on Saturday, we could still have got ourselves back in the game We have had a good start to the season overall and we want to learn from our mistakes against Oldham so that good start can continue.”