AFC Bournemouth under-18s defender Archie Harris felt his leadership skills were taking a front seat ahead of a cup tie with MK Dons.
Saturday sees Alan Connell’s team travel to Buckinghamshire to take on the Milton Keynes club in the second round of the EFL Youth Alliance Cup.
For Harris the fixture is another chance to hone his leadership skills, which he believes have improved so far this term.
He told afcb.co.uk: “I think I’ve had to step up in my leadership mostly because last year we had Owen Bevan and a few other big players who led the team.
“I’ve always counted myself as a good leader and I need to come into that role now, especially leading the younger lads and other players in the team.
“I’ve got to lead by example now that I’m an older lad and pushing for a contract.”
This season has seen the left-back return from a six-month lay-off with a quad injury and hit the ground running.
Over five appearances in all competitions, Harris has bagged three assists and has been pleased with the start of the campaign.
“It’s been a good start. It wasn’t my best game against Reading, I was a bit loose, but in the last few games I think I’ve played really well,” he explained.
“Six months out was a long time out with my quad, but I’m just happy to be back playing and getting 90 minutes in the tank.
“I’m looking to push forward now and get some results.”
That cup fixture against the Royals last time out saw the under-18s beaten 4-1, which Harris felt the Cherries need to improve from against MK Dons.
He said: “It’s going to be a tough game. We’ll just have to give it our all and bounce back from the Reading defeat and perform a lot better.
“We’ve got the capabilities to beat them and progress in the competition.”
