TOM Aldred is determined to continue proving an able replacement for Mark Hughes in the Accrington Stanley defence – as he bids to get his career back on track.

Aldred is yet to concede a goal during 170 minutes as a Stanley player after Hughes limped off with a torn calf muscle early in the Reds’ 3-0 win at Rochdale last Tuesday.

Hughes is now expected to miss the rest of the season but Aldred’s form has ensured they have not missed him so far, with the 22-year-old again playing a key part in Saturday’s draw with Torquay.

The Bolton-born centre back joined Stanley at the end of January after being released by Colchester and is ready to take his chance.

“Obviously when your chance comes in you’ve got to be ready, and so far I’ve felt like I am ready,” Aldred said.

“I’ve just got to kick on and improve every game. It’s been a frustrating few years for me because I had a big move to Watford when I was young after playing six games in Carlisle’s first team.

“This season has been like going back to the start really for me. I went to Barrow on loan and played 15 games there and like to think I proved that I’m better than that level. Now it starts again here and I’ve got to keep going.”