Fulham fullback Alex Smith has set himself a goal of breaking into the first team this year.
Smith harbours ambitions of following friend and team-mate Matthew Briggs into the thoughts of Manager Mark Hughes.
"It was a great experience to be part of the pre-season tour - I never expected to be included," he admits to fulhamfc.com. "But it was a nice surprise and I learned a lot. It was a real eye-opener, and I got to see first-hand how the senior players trained, prepared for matches and conducted themselves.
"I was pleased with how I played out there and I don't think I let anyone down. At the time I got some good feedback from Ray and hopefully he has seen that I learned from the experience and improved as a result.
"Now, I just want to play as much as I can for the Development Squad and keep improving in the hope of getting nearer to the First Team, because the chance is there for us young players.
"Briggsy is a good friend and it was really pleasing to see him involved this season. We need someone like him to use as an example of what can be achieved. Chris Smalling did that last year, and this season it's Matthew.
"I feel that this is a place where young players can be given the opportunity break through - it's just up to us to show that we are good enough. I would love to follow those players' example, because having spent nine years at the Club, to come through the ranks and represent the First Team would be a massive achievement.
"It's a situation that, although seems quite close, in reality is still quite far away. I believe I have what it takes, but it will be a difficult path - but that's what keeps me hungry."
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