Atkinson hoping to keep his place at Stanley (From Lancashire Telegraph)

Atkinson hoping to keep his place at Stanley

10:10am Saturday 29th September 2012 in Sport By Chris Flanagan, Sports reporter

LOAN signing Rob Atkinson hopes he has done enough to retain his place in the Accrington Stanley defence this afternoon – despite Toto Nsiala’s return from a ban.

Stanley boss Paul Cook brought in Atkinson on loan from fellow League Two side Fleetwood last week after Nsiala’s one-match suspension for five bookings left the Reds depleted in defence.

Atkinson helped Stanley to a 1-0 win over Aldershot on his debut on Saturday so the 25-year-old hopes he will again be named in the starting line-up at AFC Wimbledon today, having joined Accrington to get games after losing his place at Fleetwood.

“Like at any football club you’ve got to earn your shirt and do well on a Saturday, and hopefully it puts you in a better place to start the next game,” said Atkinson, who previously played for Barnsley and Grimsby.

“I thought I did all right on Saturday so hopefully I get the shirt this weekend.

“As a central defender it’s always nice to start with a clean sheet.

“I’ve played a number of games in League Two with Grimsby, it’s a level I’m comfortable at and can definitely play at.”

Atkinson is at Stanley for an initial month and will speak to Fleetwood boss Micky Mellon, Cook’s former Burnley team-mate, at the end of that period to assess his future at the club.

An extension of his loan at Stanley is possible.

“I got a slight injury in the middle of pre-season, just before the season started, which kept me out for a couple of weeks,” he said.

“Then it was a case of catching up on fitness.

“I played a couple of reserve team games, in the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy the other week and then in a behind closed doors friendly against Stoke.

“But it was just a case of getting out on loan and getting some games.

“The gaffer said to me he wanted me to play some games and it was a perfect opportunity to come here. I’m happy to be here.

“I think it’s just a case of doing the month here and seeing how many games I play.

“It’s the manager’s decision at Fleetwood whether he wants me back in his plans after getting the match time that he wants me to have. It’s just a case of taking it game by game.”

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