IF dedication counts for anything, then watch out for more of Adnan Ahmed in Town colours this season.
The 20-year-old midfielder is working tirelessly to make the most of his 12-month contract at the Galpharm Stadium.
He's a physical player who never holds back in the tackle - just ask his clubmates on the training ground! - but he's also got plenty of ability and the winning attitude which manager Peter Jackson likes so much.
Now, the only thing missing is senior experience, although he did his chances no harm whatsoever with a goal and a bright performance in Tuesday's 6-3 LDV Vans Trophy defeat over at Blackpool.
Ahmed - the first player of Asian descent to play at first-team level for Town - featured for 21 minutes as a substitute in extra-time at Bloomfield Road, where his Burnley-based family watched from the stands.
"There is a lot of competition for places in midfield and the gaffer has just kept telling me to be patient and to work hard," said Ahmed, whose only previous appearances were as a sub against Morecambe in the LDV this season and Rochdale in the League last term.
"Having the 12-month contract has given me some peace of mind, but there is pressure each game to get in and to play well, so you've just got to keep pushing yourself hard.
"The encouragement is fantastic, though, and I think this club is unique in the sense that the team spirit is unbelievable.
"The manager, the Academy staff, the players: we are all in this together and I think that shows through in the way we play.
"Everyone works for each other and the encouragement is there every day in training.
"If you do something good then plenty of people are there to pat you on the back and, if you do something wrong, there are just as many people to let you know and to advise what you should have done.
"The support from the squad is fantastic and my main aim for the rest of the season is to stay involved as much as possible.
"I would love to play as often as possible, obviously, but first of all I need to keep on playing well in the Reserves and, hopefully, I'll get some more games in the first team."
Ahmed's goal at Blackpool came after a neat exchange of passes and his finish was emphatic.
It gave 10-man Town a glimmer of hope, getting them back to 5-3 down at the break in extra-time, and he ran to fish the ball out of the net rather than celebrating with his teammates.
That illustrated Ahmed's determined attitude and he was unlucky not to score a second with a raking 30-yard drive.
"Physically, I'm feeling really strong - much stronger than before - and I'm aiming to really push on now and make my mark," he explained.
"As I've said, I know there is strong competition for places, but I'm looking to work hard and hopefully my chance will come.
"In the last few Reserve games in particular, I think I've done better and I'm determined to push on and press my claims for the first team. I think the gym work and leg weights I've been doing have really helped and are starting to pay dividends, and I'll just keep up the hard work.
"I might mistime a tackle sometimes here and there, but football is a physical game and you have to expect that.
"That's the way I play, giving it my best the whole time, and it was great to get on the scoresheet the other night.
"Hopefully my family were pleased for me and I enjoyed the long-range shot as well.
"A gap just opened up for me and I just thought I might as well have a pop.
"Luckily I caught it really well but, unfortunately, it didn't go in as the keeper got across to tip it over the top."
Originally on Manchester United's books, Ahmed joined the Town Academy and came right through the ranks to earn a regular place in the Reserves.
His performances at Pontin's Holidays League I East level have been solid and Jackson knows he is champing at the bit to step up.
"I think we are doing really well in the League, considering we have only just been promoted," added Ahmed.
"We obviously need to be more consistent and if we can bounce back from Blackpool with a win against Brentford then that will be great."
