Liam Bridcutt has set himself a twin target - to maintain a first-team place and earn a long-term deal with the club.
The former Chelsea youngster, who was released by the Stamford Bridge club in the summer, signed a five-month deal at Withdean a fortnight ago, but believes he can impress enough to stay with the club as we move to the Amex Stadium.
"I've seen the new stadium on my way to training and it looks absolutely fantastic," says the 21-year-old. "Naturally, I'd love to be a part of the team when we move there but the ball is now in my court.
"I've got this short-term deal, which I'm grateful for, but my focus is to make the biggest impression I can in that time and secure a longer term deal.
"That will only happen if I maintain my place in midfield and keep playing well. The manager wants someone who will sit in midfield, and having played and learnt that role at Chelsea, I'm confident I can do a job for the team."
Bridcutt made a solid start in the Johnstone's Paint Trophy game against Leyton Orient last week and hopes he has done enough to maintain his place for the visit of MK Dons tomorrow.
"Fingers crossed I'll keep my place in the team because I need a run of games if I can. My summer's been a bit stop-start but I'm getting fitter and stronger with every training session.
"There's nothing like playing though and if I get the nod, I'll be raring to go. MK Dons are flying at the moment and will come here with their confidence high, but these are the games you want to play in."
An in-depth interview with Liam appear in Saturday's edition of Seagull. To buy your programme online, click here.
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