WILLEM Tomlinson hopes an impressive second half showing at Peterborough United has put him in contention for some more minutes at Crewe Alexandra in tomorrow’s re-arranged FA Cup replay.

The teenager made his first league appearance since February as he replaced Corry Evans at half-time at the ABAX Stadium with Peter Whittingham having been forced off on the half-hour mark.

Tomlinson took his chance with an accomplished display alongside Richie Smallwood in the heart of the Rovers midfield as they came back from 1-0 down to win 3-2.

They take a break from league action with an FA Cup replay at League Two Crewe Alexandra. And with injuries beginning to bite in the midfield area, plus Elliott Bennett’s suspension, Tomlinson is eyeing more game-time at Gresty Road in the second round replay.

“I hope that I am in contention and that I have done enough to at least be involved in the game and giving myself a chance of proving myself even more,” he said.

“To finally get on the pitch with the lads and do what I can do, I have worked hard this season to try and get back in the team and I finally got my reward and can hopefully get some more games in

“Coming on I felt like I needed to help the team and put 100 per cent in and not make any mistakes and play how I normally play.

“I’ve always grown up watching the first team and wishing that I was on that pitch.

“It’s completely different (from Under-23 football), you’re under pressure and you can’t be taking a half turn on the edge of your box so it’s more about trying to see the game out when you’re playing in the league and trying to get the three points.”

Tomlinson has had to be patient this season, restricted to Carabao Cup and Checkatrade Trophy outings, having fallen down the pecking order since the arrival of West Brom loanee Rekeem Harper.

But the 19-year-old was delighted to take the chance when it came his way and accepts that it has been difficult for manager Tony Mowbray to throw him in to the action given the pressure Rovers are under.

He added: “It’s been a tricky situation for the club, we were battling relegation at the end of last season so I didn’t feel as if I was experienced enough.

“Now we’re trying to get promotion and it felt like there is a lot.

“But I believe that I can do it and go and help the team.”

Rovers scored three times in 13 second half minutes to turn the game on its head, with Tomlinson just pleased to play his part in a fifth successive victory.

“The early goals we scored really spurred us on,” he said.

“It was a good feeling coming on and getting those goals.

“I felt as though I came on and helped make a difference and we managed to see it out and get the three points and be on the winning side.”