Fulham defender Matthew Briggs is enjoying preseason with the first team.
After impressing in a handful of appearances last season, the Wandsworth-born defender had seemingly come of age.
And the 20-year-old England youth international has started the current campaign in similar fashion, catching the eye with a series of mature performances.
"It's true, things probably haven't gone as I thought they would," Briggs told fulhamfc.com. "As a result, there were times when I didn't really feel part of things. Although I was in and around the senior squad, it's not until you get a regular run of games that you fully understand what it is like.
"But I do feel part of the set-up now - I feel like a professional footballer. Every player wants to be out there wearing the shirt of his team and I'm no different. It did feel like something was missing and having been given the chance of late, I'm determined to make the most of it and take the opportunity.
"I love the buzz in the changing room ahead of kick-off, and although I still get butterflies, I feel a lot more confident walking out onto that pitch - it's an incredible feeling."
