David Richards says that he has enjoyed every minute of his experience at first-team level and the Welshman won’t be giving up the number one spot without a fight.
Richards, 23, replaced Ben Garratt for our recent trip to Coventry City and after a really promising debut in our 1-0 defeat the former Bristol City and Cardiff City stopper retained his place for the Checkatrade clash with League One Oldham Athletic.
Richards, who has made some key saves in both games so far has had to wait patiently for his chance of first-team level due to the consistent form of Garratt over the past two seasons.
Dave told iFollow the Alex: "You always have to think positive.
"I just had to keep working hard day after day, day after day, putting in the hard graft on the training ground which no-one sees, being the first one into the training ground and the last one leaving.
"You need to do the right things, eating well, sleeping well, no late nights, no girlfriend, that's the best thing to do to keep my head on football, so that when I get my chance I can grasp it with both hands.
"I have to take it game by game, but I have had a taste of it now and enjoyed every minute.
"The run Ben has been on, you hold your hands up and say he's been absolutely brilliant. No doubt I had to sit on the bench and wait for my turn. He's been absolutely magnificent.
"Sitting up in the stands it looks a different game, but when you are on the pitch with 21 players in front of you there is a big difference.
He added: "I can see now the standard is a lot higher than what I've been used to. The ball comes a lot quicker at you, players are faster, you are put under more pressure.”