Lobban looks for more glory.

Lobbansetssightsonplaceinnextyear’sfinalafterScotlandtakeEuropeanteambronze

reigning champions and top seeds France.

Scotland’s bronze haul was a repeat of their feat of three years ago in Warsaw, with Lobban looking to go a step further when the annual event is held next year.

Lobban said: “Competing with team-mates for Scotland is very special, and it was great to come away with a result like we did.

“For the first time in about six years we dropped out of the top four last year.

“We just didn’t have a great year.

“This year was completely different; everyone came into the event pretty confident.

“I think we all played our best squash, even in the third versus fourth play-off.

“We all beat someone that was higher ranked. That’s what secured the medal for us.

“A bronze medal at a European championship is something to cherish.

“France won the event last year, so I think we are closing the gap on the top nations now.

“I think we will be aiming for at least the final next year.

“Our expectations are growing, which can only be a good thing.”

Lobban has been based in Sheffield since

“I think we are closing the gap on the top nations now”

August and the 26-year-old is pleased with the progress he has made in recent months.

Lobban, who is ranked 30th in the world, added: “It has been more of a transitional year for me. I am doing my training and working full time down here now.

“It has gone well; have been making improvements over the last couple of months.

“I’ve got two more events to finish the year with, the British Open and one in Guatemala, and then it will be the off-season.

“It has been a pretty good year. I made the last 16 in New York, and I got my first top 10 win last month.

I“I have been ticking off a few things I wanted to achieve this year, which has been pretty good.

“Just generally, I need to keep working on what I have been working on down here.

“I have done a lot of work technically, and a lot of work off the court as well.

“If I’m able to continue the momentum I have gathered over the second half of this season, and take it into the start of next season, I will be in pretty good shape.”