Holmes poised to make an impression

Jul 27 2007 by Nick Hilton, Liverpool Daily Post

DANNY HOLMES aims to make the most of the opportunity to play alongside Tranmere’s established first-teamers this summer.

The 18-year-old homegrown defender signed his first professional contract in May and acknowledges that the pre-season games provide a platform to show his potential.

“You learn a lot by playing in these games,” says Holmes, who was involved in four of Tranmere’s first five friendlies.

He continued: “The good thing about this club is that young players do get a chances if they do well.

“Two years ago Steve Davies made a big impression in these pre-season games and he has not looked back since. My ambition is to try and do the same.”

Holmes has been with Rovers for as long as he can remember.

He began making the short journey from the family home in Woodchurch to train which Tranmere’s school of excellence set up at the age of eight.

He said: “When I started I played left midfield but I went further back in the team, position wise, as the years went on.”

Holmes earned a scholarship at the age of 16, by which time he was playing centre-back.

But with a stature couple of inches below six feet, he subsequently moved to right-back, where he appeared during the pre-season games.

He played regular reserve team football last season and travelled with the first team on a couple of occasions as 17th man.

He added: “Getting the first contract was such a weight off my shoulders because I was getting worried about the future. Now I’ve got to make the most of the coming season.”