Up to me to take chances to catch eye in first-team
“Will Miller very nearly did it, the centre-half (Kyle McFadzean) nearly scored from the set-play, Lucas Akins should’ve scored from the rebound.
“We thought it was going to be another one of those days.
“We keep saying to the players ‘keep doing the right things and you’ll get your rewards.’” BEN Fox wants to make the most of every opportunity he gets for Burton Albion.
The Brewers academy graduate came off the bench to net his first League goal and secure Nigel Clough’s side a last-gasp victory at home to Bristol Rovers on Saturday.
Fox started six of the first seven games of the League One season in holding midfield and at right-back, while Saturday’s cameo was his third substitute appearance of the campaign.
The 20-year-old has targeted 2018-19 as the season in which to make his mark at the Pirelli Stadium and he is currently competing for a regular spot in the midfield with Stephen Quinn, Jamie Allen and Scott Fraser, the incumbents in the central trio.
Whether it is as a part of the starting 11 or off the bench, Fox is looking to keep having a say on the field and ensure he takes his chance.
“Opportunities come and go,” he said after helping Burton move up to 15th in the League One table.
“If you don’t take your opportunity, you never know when the next one’s going to come along.
“So as soon as I step across the white line, I’m looking to impress and looking to work hard.
“Hopefully, that can be seen and, hopefully, going forward I can get involved in the team more.”
Fox replaced the injured Fraser after 55 minutes on Saturday and it remains to be seen whether the Dundee United midfielder will be fit for Saturday’s trip to take on Plymouth Argyle.
Clough suggested after the Bristol game that Fox had still not done quite enough to displace the current midfield trio, before adding that “he is the first one in there” changes are made.
So having had such a telling influence when replacing Fraser against the Pirates, does Fox himself feels he warrants a starting spot next time out?
“Obviously, I don’t pick the team, I’ve just got to do as much as I can when I get the opportunity,” he added. if any
“The gaffer has been brilliant with giving all the youngsters opportunities.
“If I’m in his thoughts come Saturday, that’s brilliant.
“If I’m starting, then that’s brilliant and I’ll work my hardest and do my best - that’s what I want.
“Fingers crossed it happens but if not, I get my head down and go again.”