HOMEGROWN Warrington Town prospect Liam Turner hopes to cement his place in the first team this year after impressing during the Yellows’ run-in last season.

The 19-year-old right back caught boss Shaun Reid’s eye for the reserves, earning a series of starts following Lewis Field’s exit.

“It’s been going well since I started with the first team,” said Turner, a former Penketh High School student .

“That was at the end of last season, and I played a couple of cup games before getting a run of nine or 10 games after our right back moved to Australia.

“Having stepped up from the reserves in January there’s a bit of a difference; it’s much quicker, faster and a higher standard.

“It was definitely a good experience.”

He hopes Reid will now be able to call on more of Town’s youngsters.

“There are players who are training with us now, like Niall Ford, Ben Collins and Chris Bibby, that have come through the youth team too,” added Turner.

“Shaun is a fiery character – I think everyone knows that – but he’s a very good coach and it was good for him to throw me in at the deep end last season.”

And Turner, an apprentice at United Utilities, is confident the Yellows have the squad to mount a promotion bid this season.

“We’re definitely looking to go up,” he said.

“That’s the big aim and I think the team we have got should have a good chance.”