Scunthorpe United midfielder Finley Shrimpton was happy to be back involved in the first team starting line-up, as the Iron gained a valuable point on the road, following Saturday’s 0-0 draw with Yeovil Town.
Having been recently recalled by the club following his loan spell at Gainsborough Trinity, Shrimpton partnered Tom Pugh in United’s midfield, completing his first 90 minutes of the season for the side.
Providing his thoughts to Iron Player, the 20-year-old stated: "I enjoyed it. It’s really good to be back and to get a point is a stepping stone for us, we probably deserved to get all three. It is what it is and it’s a moving platform. I’m buzzing.
With interim boss Michael Nelson opting to make four changes to his starting XI at Huish Park, Scunthorpe were unlucky to not grab all three points, with Taft, Rob Apter and Marcus Carver all coming close to winning the game.
Reiterating the message given to him by Nelson prior to kick off, Shrimpton said: "[He told me to] Just keep it simple. Work hard, win your tackles and battles. I obviously played with Pughy [Tom Pugh] in the youth team and we are both very similar players, it was just a case of winning everything you can really.
"It’s a higher tempo. All of their team was 6ft plus and they were big lads. Similar in respective of physicality but it’s still tough regardless."
Having been alongside fellow Iron loanee Harry Lewis at the Northolme most recently, the United academy graduate reflected further on his time away from the club, insisting he is now ready to kick on to help the side in any which way.
"I loved it," Shrimpton added. "I can’t think Bish [their boss and former Iron midfielder Neal Bishop] enough. The staff, fans, players, I just wish them all the best as I know they are flying at the minute, third I think. Iit gave me the game time I needed.
"I’m happy to come back but I have to thank Nels, Muzzy (Paul Musselwhite), Turny (Lee Turnbull) and everyone for bringing me back and giving me a chance. I knew I would be coming back but to get given a chance is very special for myself. Fingers crossed I can keep my place."
Thanking Scunthorpe’s support in Somerset, the 20-year-old was keen to praise our fans for making the journey down south. He added: "The England game and maybe the possibility of it being off, you can’t thank them enough. They follow us up and spend their hard earned money and it’s what thrives us on to do well and to keep pushing. We can only thank them for supporting us."
See more from Finley Shrimpton on Iron Player.