Port Vale midfielder Tom Conlon says he's happy to make on more responsibility within the side this season.
Conlon, who has started all three games so far during the new campaign, signed for the Valiants last summer after impressing former Vale manager Neil Aspin as a trailist.
Continuing to impress under John Askey since his appointment as Vale manager in February, Conlon finished the season on a high with stunning goals against Yeovil Town and MK Dons. His 25 yard volley against Yeovil Town unsurprisingly won club goal of the season.
The gaffer showed his faith in the 23 year old over the summer by issuing him with the number 10 shirt, and Conlon says taking more responsibility on as a player is something he's been aiming to do throughout his career.
"It's everything I've been working for, I wanted to come in and play the games that I did and now it's up to me to step up. With the 10 shirt it's just a number but when you think about it there's a bit of responsibility there.
"I like that and I like the fact that I'm looked at as one of those players as such to produce every week so it's down to me I suppose.
"It's probably the toughest pre-season I've ever had in my career so far but I'm feeling good now and I've got a far few 90 minutes under my belt. I've haven't been getting cramp and the last 10 minutes I've been feeling strong."
As Conlon continues to take on further responsibility within the midfield three alongside the likes of Luke Joyce and Manny Oyeleke, the 23 year old believes it's all helped by the different qualities of everyone in the squad.
The gaffer signed 11 new players during the summer transfer window, from the younger players such as Scott Burgess and Adam Crookes, to more experienced players like David Amoo and Mark Cullen.
With a good balance amongst the squad of young players and experienced pro's, Conlon says that the good mixture of players and personalities amongst the squad can help them in the long run this season.
"I think we've got a lot of real good characters this year, like top professionals and I think that will definitely pay off over the course of the season because it's good to have those sort of characters around.
"With the back up we've got we've got strength in depth which is always nice. I've learnt a lot from the likes of Danny Pugh and Michael Tonge... from the level they've played at you learn a lot and I'm still pretty close with Pughey in that sense.
"Just his attitude, when he comes into training every day it's always bang on and people like Joycey and Mark Cullen who have also played at a good level, there's plenty of boys you can learn off and I am doing that."