JIMMY SPENCER is keen to stay put this season and play his part in Town’s big Championship adventure.
The 20-year-old striker has been loaned out three times since coming through the academy but is hoping he’s done enough to convince manager Simon Grayson of his second-tier credentials.
Grayson handed him a first senior start for Town – he’s been with them since the age of eight – in the Capital One Cup first-round defeat at Preston and praised the Leeds-born player for his contribution.
With Jordan Rhodes and Sean Scannell probably returning for Friday’s Championship opener at Cardiff, Spencer admits he might have to be content with a place on the bench – but he’s in positive mode.
“I would definitely rather stay here and work my way into the team than go out on loan,” said Spencer, who has had spells at Northwich, Morecambe and Cheltenham.
“It might be a case of going on off the bench and showing what I can do, but I would be happy with that this season as long as I’m playing a part.
“The loans have been really good for my experience and they’ve worked well with me now getting a call-up here, which I’m really grateful to the gaffer for.
“It was brilliant to finally get a chance with Town because I’ve been waiting a long time for it, and I’m really looking forward to the season.
“I don’t know whether I’ll be involved on Friday – Jordan Rhodes scores 40 goals a season so it’s hard not to play him – but I’m feeling really strong and fit after a good pre-season and we’ve got good competition for places, so we’ll see what the gaffer decides to do.”
Town have Danny Ward under treatment for an ankle injury which could rule him out of Friday’s trip.
