NATHAN Baxter hopes he has done enough to earn his first league start for Accrington Stanley this afternoon.

Manager John Coleman admitted he bided his time before securing a season-long loan for the young Chelsea goalkeeper, who arrived at the Wham Stadium last month with a wealth of experience behind him through five previous loan spells.

But having been a long term target of the Reds boss, Baxter then had to play a waiting game himself due to the form of Toby Savin, who had started the season well and kept his place in the starting XI.

Baxter, who has made over 130 senior appearances, admits it has been a frustrating time waiting for his chance.

But after making his debut in the FA Cup last Saturday and going on to influence the midweek 1-0 win at Barrow in the Papa John’s Trophy with a penalty save, the 22-year-old hopes he has shown what he can bring to the Stanley team as they prepare for a long-awaited return to League One action following their coronavirus outbreak, away to Northampton Town.

“As a footballer there are going to be times when you’re in the side and times when you’re not in the side," said Baxter, whose previous loan spells include Ross County, Yeovil and Woking.

“I’ve been lucky that every loan I’ve been on I have played every week so I’m kind of used to being that number one at the club. But it's up to me.

“I enjoyed it (on Tuesday). It’s funny because I played at Barrow in the Conference a couple of years ago and had an absolute shocker so it was quite nice to go back there and put in a good performance.

“We’re through into the next round and that’s the main thing. Obviously I was happy with my night’s work.

“I’ve done well in these two games, I’ve been doing really well in training.

“At the end of the day I’m at the highest level I’ve played at in England. It is a step up for me and I want to show that I can take to it easily and I want to show that I’m a good goalkeeper at this level."

And he believes boss Coleman can help bring out the best of him, after admitting the Stanley boss’s experience and style of football were the main factors in choosing Accrington for his latest loan spell.

“I’ve played under a lot of managers where it’s been their first or second job, quite young managers coaching wise so it’s really great for me to work under someone that’s seen everything before and seen it multiple times,” said Baxter.

“I think that’s a real positive for me to work under a really experienced manager, really experienced management team. It’s great that he’s worked with so many goalies that have gone on (and done well). We spoke about that when I first came.

“The style of football that he plays is the main reason why I’m here. There are so many teams in this division that just lump it long and while you have to at times play for those sort of clubs, the fact that we play out from the back and play football and he wants to play football the right way it’s one of the major factors as to why I chose to come here.

“It’s great that I get the chance to work under him and (goalkeeping coach) Tony (Warner) as well. I’m really pleased and it’s down to me to make sure I make it a success."

He added: “You go on loan to play games. You want to be on the pitch and you’re not learning anything being on the bench.

“It’s up to me to make sure that I get in and do well as I have done in the last couple of games.

“It’s more frustrating that I wasn’t here at the start of the season, I wasn’t here to have pre-season with the boys. I’m here now and I’m desperate to play.

"But it’s only a good thing for Accrington that there’s strength in depth in the squad."