Harry Darling says he is eager to continue knuckling down to fulfil his personal ambition of making 2019/20, his full breakthrough season with the U’s.
The 20-year old centre back made his 40th senior appearance for the Club in Saturday’s 1-0 win over Plymouth Argyle at the Abbey, and is currently enjoying his best spell in the first team having started 16 of his 17 games for United this season.
The defender, originally from Burwell and brought up locally, said: “It’s been a couple of years of hard work, and I set out at the start of the year to make this season my real breakthrough season.
“I hope I am doing that at the minute. I know I need to continue to train hard so I can keep playing, and concentrating on producing the best performances I can in each game. Hopefully with more clean sheets to come too.”
Darling signals the advice and experience of his fellow centre back colleagues as the key in providing a competitive and supportive environment to bring the best out of himself.
He continued: “There’s healthy competition for centre back places as well, between the four of us. We always push each other on though.
“Even Saturday, before the game where Wardy wasn’t initially playing (before Dan Jones illness), he was really giving me encouragement to do well in the game, as well as Tafty.
“Elliott is fantastic and he’s been so good with me during his time here. He has so much experience through football. If he sees me do something that is not quite right or an area I can improve, he will quickly pull me up on it. I never take it in a personal way, because it’s good for my development and to learn how to get better.
“We played as two on Saturday, he was there to give me tips and a few pointers throughout the match, and together we were able to get the clean sheet which is the main thing.
“Greg’s (Taylor) is another good leader and he is great for us younger boys and looks after us. He is similar to Wardy, and always wants to help you out.”