George Birch is pushing for a regular starting role at Exeter City Football Club after gaining valuable experience on loan spells last season. The 19-year-old forward has made seven appearances for the Grecians this term, with his only start coming in the EFL Trophy win over Tottenham Hotspur U21s.

He is likely to start again in the same competition tonight at Cheltenham Town, a match where victory would all-but secure a spot in the knockout rounds. Birch spent time last season with Weston-super-Mare and Chippenham Town, making ten combined appearances, and says those moves transformed his approach.

"The loan spells were huge for my development," Birch said. "I had so much more confidence after going to Weston-super-Mare and playing 21s games for Exeter." He added that the experience showed him what he needed to look like physically, noting that against some stronger players he might need to use his body to win fouls or nip past them.

Following a pathway

Birch's ambition mirrors the pathway recently taken by teammate Ed James. The 21-year-old centre-back's performances this season earned him another call-up to the Wales U21 squad, for whom he has been capped four times at youth level. Assistant boss Dan Green expressed pride in James's progress.

"I'm really proud of the journey that Ed's gone on because there's been so many ups and so many downs," Green said. "There's been so many conversations that we've had where he probably can't see the light at the end of the tunnel, the opportunity." Manager Matt Taylor was also delighted by the recognition of James's form, though admitted his absence for the upcoming Wales U21 fixtures is a blow for the League Two games against Bristol Rovers and Rotherham United.

Proving his quality

For Birch, the immediate focus is on taking his chances when they come. The coaches have asked him to show energy, be a threat, and run at players when he comes on. "I love playing for Exeter City every time I go out there," he said. "I've been working for so long to get opportunities and thoroughly enjoy them when they come."

Looking ahead to the Cheltenham game, Birch's target is clear. "Yeah, definitely going to go out there to win," he stated.

League context

The push for more first-team minutes comes as Exeter City seek to improve their league form. They currently sit 20th in League Two with six points from seven games, having scored four goals and conceded five. Their recent form shows one win, three draws and one defeat from the last five outings, a sequence that includes a 2-0 Trophy win over Spurs U21s and a 0-0 draw with Tranmere last time out.

The full squad list is available on our squad page.

After the Trophy tie at Cheltenham, Exeter's next assignment is that League Two fixture at Bristol Rovers.

Background and full detail: Devon Live