The former youth trainee's previous first team start came three years prior in the EFL Trophy against Leicester City Under-21s, and the 20-year-old is looking to build on the weekend.
Deployed in a right-back position rather than the midfield one he's used to, Hornshaw has impressed Cox with his attitude and displays in training and games since taking over.
He told iFollow Iron: "I just want to play as many games as I can. I will try and take every chance I get. He (Cox) has been really positive with me.
"I usually play central midfield but the gaffer seems to trust me at right-back. I just want to play as many games as I can in whatever position I can. I'll do my best wherever I'm asked.
"There's a chance for me this season and I just need to push on and take it. I don't think I did too badly on Saturday so hopefully I can progress and get a few more games in."
Speaking about the narrow 2-1 loss to the Valiants at the weekend, he continued: "I felt the lads played really well. A lot of us haven't played together in a competitive match before.
"We were unlucky to concede at the end of both halves, but I felt it was a good performance and we played well. It was disappointing to concede like we did, but we just have to focus on the next game really.
"It's good to have those matches before the season starts, so we can focus on making things right and better."
Looking ahead to the EFL Trophy clash at Lincoln City on Tuesday night, Hornshaw expects a different game to the friendly two weeks prior which ended in defeat.
"The lads were just getting to know each other, but we'll put a decent side out and hopefully can get the win," he said. "It would give us a boost going into Saturday's game against Newport."
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