Notts County midfielder Jordan Richards says first-team experience is making him a better player.
After being loaned out last season, Richards has broken into John Sheridan's starting 11 in recent weeks.
And the academy graduate is very happy to be representing his hometown club while developing his game.
On the subject of entering the first-team fold at Meadow Lane, Richards said: "I was over the moon. With the history of my dad playing at Notts County, and living just around the corner, it was a big thing for me - an amazing feeling.
"Last season I was on loan at Boston, then I spent six months at Sligo in Ireland, and I felt like that was when I was starting to get used to men's football, playing week in, week out. When I came back in pre-season I felt like I was ready to step up.
"My aim when I got the chance was to try and keep getting more appearances, which is paying off at the minute. I've just got to keep my head down and work hard."
Richards' father, Pedro, made almost 400 appearances for Notts and Jordan, who says he 'can't wait' for Saturday's trip to Portsmouth, sees similarities between his and his dad's playing styles.
He said: "He was quite steady on the ball - composed - and I see that in myself.
"He also loved to go into a tackle - he was quite fiery - so I see that side of me as well.
"I want to make a name for myself but obviously I don't mind hearing things about my dad and being compared with him."