OSCAR GOBERN says Huddersfield Town’s opening friendly at Gateshead on Saturday can’t come quickly enough.

The 20-year-old former Southampton midfielder wants regular first-team football, and believes the North-East clash provides a chance to make his mark.

“I had a few injury niggles down at Southampton, the manager had his own ideas about the make-up of the team and I found it hard to hold down a place,” admitted Gobern.

“The opportunity to try to make myself a key part of a promotion-chasing team was a big factor in my decision to come here to Huddersfield.

“The training here has been very intense – you get the feeling every single session counts – and any match gives you a chance to catch the eye of the management.

“That’s what I’ll be aiming to do throughout pre-season, because I want to make sure I’m involved in the first League I game (at home to Bury on August 6).”

The Gateshead game will also give fans the chance to see defender Calum Woods and midfielder Donal McDermott for the first time.

Gobern says all three new boys are settling in well, adding: “I didn’t know any of the lads before I arrived, but they’ve really helped me to settle in.

“We have a bit of banter, but already the mood is determined. The boys are desperate to get over the play-off disappointment and win promotion, and that suits me fine.”

Town are currently in discussions with Southampton over Gobern and Manchester City over McDermott.

Even though both players were out of contract, fees may have to be paid because they are under 24.

“There is a list of criteria under which compensation is due, and if we are unable to agree a level, then it will go to tribunal,” said chief executive Nigel Clibbens.