Last updated at 13:10, Thursday, 26 July 2012

Confident Mark Sloan is ready to make his mark at Workington Reds – seven months after the midfielder considered quitting Borough Park.

Mark Sloan

A morale-boosting stint at Scottish minnows Gretna helped re-ignite his career, and now that pre-season is underway, Sloan has returned rejuvenated.

Predicting better things this year, he said: “Last year was disappointing in terms of a lack of minutes on the pitch, but it was also a learning curve.

“I thought about moving on, but I know I am good enough to play at this level.

“The loan spell to Gretna proved that given the opportunity I can affect games and score goals.

“Of course I was frustrated but that made me more determined to get on with the hard work, learn as much as possible and come back this season more prepared.

“I just want to play regularly. I have returned to pre-season training in good shape and I am mentally prepared for the challenges ahead.

“If I maintain the standard I am setting in training and in the friendly matches there is no reason why I can’t start more games than I miss.”

Sloan has been used in a number of positions but insists he’s most affective in the middle of the park.

The 19-year-old will be part of the Workington squad that takes on rivals Barrow in the second leg of the Chas Kendall Trophy on Friday night.

Workington lost the away leg 3-0, and look to claw back some pride when the Bluebirds visit (7pm ko).

Sloan believes there is the perfect blend of youth and experience in the Workington ranks to challenge the top half of the table and refused to count out a play-off spot.

He said: “There is no reason why Workington can’t push for the play-offs.

“None of the lads want a repeat of how things went last year.

“We have some tough opening fixtures, so if we can get something from those games, which will give us what we need to maintain the standard throughout the season.”

First published at 11:28, Thursday, 26 July 2012
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk