Lewis talks about his game time as he looks ahead to Forest Green

Left-back Harry Lewis has spoken to the press ahead of Saturday's trip to take on League Two leaders Forest Green Rovers, as the 18-year-old reflects on having made eight appearances for the club so far after signing his first professional deal in January.

Born in Scunthorpe and a former attendee of St Bede’s School, Harry played for Appleby-Frodingham before signing for the Iron at the Under-13 age group.

Since then he's gone from strength-to-strength, culminating in this season which saw him score against Manchester United Under-18s at Old Trafford in the FA Youth Cup, sign professional and appear regularly for the first team in recent times.

He told iFollow Iron: "I feel like I've been performing okay, but there are still areas I need to improve. I believe when I've come in, I've done alright though.

"I feel like I should have had a few penalties, especially against Oldham when the referee decided to book me. I've had chances to score too and as soon as that day comes (when he scores), I'll be very chuffed.

"I'm ready to take anything head on. It's unfortunate how it's come about (with Mason O'Malley and Lewis Thompson ruled out through injury) but if I'm getting the minutes, I'm not going to complain.

"The gaffer (Keith Hill) has put trust in me to play so I just need to repay that by performing well.

"It's massive that he has that faith. It's proven he gives chances to young players (here and at previous clubs) and it gives you that bit of belief to kick on even more, knowing you could get a chance. You just need to be ready to take it.

"He's constantly trying to make us all better on the training pitch, and is adamant with what he wants us to do. At the end of the day, it's to make you a better player so it's well worth it.

"To be honest, I didn't picture it happening (the way this season has progressed) but I've always worked hard for it to happen. I feel like after the Manchester United game, that's when everything started to gradually go upwards for me.

"I came to the training ground and trained with the first team, and I remember Macca (coach Tony McMahon) saying that I did well, and I've been down here ever since and just want to continue pushing on.

"(Being a local lad) my family, mates and old teachers are in the stands watching. When I warm up, I look around and see familiar faces. It's just surreal to think that when I was Year 5 they were teaching me and now they're watching me play football. I just want to be in the team as much as possible to prove I deserve to be playing."

Speaking about the game at Forest Green, he added: "We've got to go there, not be scared of them, be resilient in what we do and hopefully we can come away with a result. Nothing is impossible in football. It would give everyone a big lift after the last few weeks."

See much more from Harry Lewis and Keith Hill on iFollow Iron.