Ossama Ashley was named in the U’s starting eleven for Tuesday evening’s Papa Johns Trophy match.
Ashley played at the unfamiliar position of right-back at Gillingham, but has been trusted by the new Head Coach since his arrival two weeks ago.
“We’ve got quite a big squad so it’s tough, and with the run of games we’ve got coming up it’s a chance for me to get some minutes into my legs and give some other players a rest.
“Since I’ve come in, I haven’t been playing much, but the new Gaffer’s brought a lot of positivity and I’m willing to work for him. So wherever he puts me, he trusts me, and I’ll give it a good go and try my best. I had an inkling I’d be playing somewhere in the defensive line, so I was prepared for it, and exited for the challenge.
“Healthy competition only brings out the best in you, so when we’re on the training pitch we’re giving it our all and training harder. So in the long run it works out, of course it’s frustrating but we’ll get there.”
Watch the full interview with Ossama on Col U TV.