Robinson keen to hold on to his Hatters spot

Young midfielder Matt Robinson is keen to get his rest this summer as he bids to come back and challenge for a first team berth next term, writes Mark Wood.

Having signed a contract extension until 2015 last week, the 19-year-old has already made a big impression on new boss John Still.

The former Leicester City Academy starlet played a prominent part at the end of last season, putting in some stellar performances, and is determined to rest up so he can begin next season where he left off.

He said: “It’s important because it’s a long hard season to get rest and have a little bit of time away from football and to be with your family and friends.

“But in the back of your mind you are thinking about the first day of pre-season training and everything else about it.

“Rest is important but still ticking over with your fitness which is essential if I want to be a contender for the first game of the season and the whole season.

“Pre-season’s going to be a hard time and I’ve got to reflect on certain areas and try and work with the coaches and improve on certain areas.”

The teenager played a part in the last seven games at the end of last season, and revealed it had caught up with him a bit.

“Four games in a week, against Ebbsfleet I was tired,” he admitted.

“Playing that big a role was a massive reward, but it did take its toll a little bit.

“At some points if I’m honest it was (a struggle). I think Grimsby we were drawing 2-2 and I remember hearing the crowd at Kenilworth Road.

“I wasn’t even playing to some extent. It was just like it was all one thing and I was part of it and kept going until the final whistle. It was more a mental thing than a physical thing.”

On his aims for next season, he continued: “To play as many games as possible. That as a footballer is what everyone wants to do.

“There’s only 11 players can play. But when you are one of them you need to show why you deserve that spot every week and that’s what I intend to do.”

The grateful youngster also added: “I just want to thank everyone who has been with me this year.

“As a young player it’s one of the hardest ones, the first pro season.”

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