Walsall defender Tom Leak feels he is benefiting from his loan spell with Salisbury FC.
The 19-year-old has been on loan with the Bet Victor Southern Premier South club since October, having twice extending his loan there.
Leak believes he is growing stronger as a footballer and has thoroughly enjoyed his spell so far.
“It’s been really good so far,” said Leak.
“We’ve got a good chance of challenging for the play-offs. I’ve got 20 games in men’s football under my belt now so it’s been a good experience for me and I’ve really enjoyed it.
“As the games have gone on, I feel that I’ve grown more comfortable with the level.
“I’m coming up against men every week, big strong strikers throwing elbows in on me. It’s been challenging but it’s been good.”
Leak has a handful of games remaining of his current loan spell with Salisbury as he looks to aid their play-off push.
He has had good feedback from both Salisbury boss Steve Claridge and Walsall’s first team coaching staff.
“Steve’s been great with me,” added Leak.
“I’m grateful for the opportunity he’s given me to play men’s football.
“He told me to go and enjoy it and play my game. There’s been different challenges where he’s helped me out with how to deal with certain things where I’ve struggled so he’s been great with me.
“Brian Dutton has said that he feels like I’m stronger from it, mentally and physically when I’ve trained or played Under 23s games so they’ve been pleased with how its gone.
“I just want to get more games under my belt and see where we are in the table but hopefully Salisbury can get into the play-offs and we can have a good push until the end of the season.”