Midfielder Samir Nabi secured a one-year deal with the club following a successful short-term stay at Brunton Park at the end of last season and he admitted this week that he’s enjoying his first pre-season experience of being right at the heart of a first team squad.
“It’s going very well but it has been a tough one,” he said. “I’ve found it to be very exciting and enjoyable. Comparing it to the Development Squad at West Brom I’d say it’s definitely been harder.
“Everything is getting packed into a relatively short period of time and we have a lot of games to play as well. It means you have to look after your recovery and make sure you’re ready to perform when the games do come round.”
“With signing the contract in the summer I knew I was going to have to come back and show the manager what I can do,” he added. “That’s something else I’m really excited about. Hopefully I’ll be going into the season full of confidence off the back of some good performances.
“The manager has told me to enjoy myself and show that I’m developing, improving and getting better week in and week out. As far as I’m concerned being here is a real opportunity for me. It’s a chance to show that I can cope and play first team football regularly.
“People do talk about my debut at Yeovil and I just want more of the same really. I want to be out on the pitch enjoying myself and hopefully helping the team to win games.”
One noticeable thing from his appearances in the friendlies so far has been the high demands he places on himself for his level of performance whilst out on the pitch.
“The friendly games so far have been really enjoyable,” he commented. “On a personal level it was important to get game time under my belt. I’ve been trying to get on the ball as much as possible and do as much as I can.
“I’m not a player who enjoys making mistakes. It hurts me when I do and I can’t help showing it. That’s why I keep going because I want to be as good as I can be.
“We’re all working hard to get into the starting eleven and I think the competition for places is a good thing. It should lead to a better standard and better performances from whoever is picked.
“I just want to play my part. My first aim has to be to play and hopefully goals will also come. I haven’t had many chances through these first three games but I’m definitely looking to get on the score sheet as much as I can.”
Next for the squad next week, following their Saturday trip to face Blyth Spartans, is the annual visit to Cassius Camps and an always challenging and extremely rewarding package which will test everything from endurance to mental strength courtesy of a series of specially designed activities.
“The boys who’ve done it before have already said a few things about it so that does make you feel a little bit nervous,” he commented. “It’s one of those experiences where once it’s done I think there’ll be a feeling of achievement.
“I’ll be looking to get through it and to enjoy it as much as I can.”
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