Talented young full-back Jake Vokins has expressed his gratitude after being selected for Radhi Jaïdi's Under-23s setup in recent weeks, having earned the call-up after a string of bright performances for the club's Under-18s side.
Still only 17, the youngster isn't afraid to admit that there is still plenty to learn, but is benefitting from the physical challenge posed by playing Premier League 2 football.
Ahead of the teenager in experience, but valuable learning tools, are fellow full-back pairing Sam McQueen and Matt Targett (who is currently enjoying a successful loan spell at Fulham), and Vokins is happy to have good examples to study in his position.
"Yeah I'm just happy to be playing 23s football again, it's important for me as an individual to progress," the teenager said. "I want to continue that form going in to today's game with Brighton.
"I'm playing against much older players, they are more physical, and more experienced. I want to challenge them, and learn off the players around me. They move the ball quicker, and it's a much tougher challenge.
"It is always nice to play in a stadium, on a nice surface, and we'll be looking to play our style of football [against Brighton].
"Matt Targett and Sam McQueen both came through the academy, like myself, and I look at them and see what I can learn. They are progressing in to the first-team and getting more regular time, so learning in training and looking at clips is always helpful."
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