AARON Cresswell says he is up for the challenge, thrown down by manager Les Parry, to establish himself as the first choice left back at Tranmere and build a platform to progress higher in the game.

The 20-year-old product of the Rovers youth development setup has been keeping Zoumana Bakayogo out of the side since the start of the season on the strength of a string of consistent performances.

Cresswell added a valuable bonus with a late equaliser, from a perfectly flighted freekick, in the 2-2 draw at Dagenham and Redbridge. A few days later he even pulled on the captain’s armband for the final stages of a Johnstones Paints Trophy tie against Accrington – because with just over 30 games under his belt, Cresswell was among the most experienced players left on the field that night.

Cresswell said: “When you are a young lad you just have to make the most of your chance when it comes. I spoke to the manager in the summer and he urged me to fight for my place and that’s what I’m doing.

“You have to keep plugging away, keep showing the gaffer you are worth your place in the team.”