TOM Parkes has admitted he was happy if surprised to find himself back in the Burton Albion squad, and wants to stay and fight for his place in the team.
After five months out with a broken ankle, the centre-back made an unexpected appearance on the substitutes’ bench in the Brewers’ defeat to Plymouth Argyle last Saturday, and could feature against Bradford City this afternoon, kick-off 3pm.
However, the 20-year-old ‘s loan from Leicester City expires next week, and manager Paul Peschisolido has said he is undecided on whether to renew the defender’s deal.
When asked if he wanted to stay and challenge the likes of Ryan Austin, Nathan Stanton and Tony James for a shirt, Parkes said: “One of my main things is that I always think I can do a job.
“The competition with other players is the fun part, because I will work more myself, so I think that’s a good thing.” He was an unused substitute against the Pilgrims, and Parkes admitted that seeing his name on the team sheet was a shock.
He said: “It was a surprise for me as well with having onclyonly just come back from breaking my ankle.
“The gaffer must have been impressed with my training and how much I wanted to be back in the squad.
“I was expected to be out for the New Year, but I healed quicker than expected.
“Now I’m back, I’m willing to work hard to get back in this team.”
Though Parkes went back to Leicester to complete his rehabilitation, the Brewers were still paying his wages, meaning that he could return to the Pirelli Stadium once given the all-clear.
He said: “When I got told I could come back here because my loan hadn’t ended, I was happy, because it’s a good team and it’s a good club with great facilities.
“Coming back here has helped me, because I’ve had a difficult few months.
“The gaffer kept ringing me up and telling me to keep my head up, and not let it get to me, and that helped.”
