RISING Worcester City star Louis Bridges has admitted to being surprised at the amount of first-team action he has seen this season.

The 18-year-old academy product has started eight times for the St George’s Lane side and is the club’s joint top-scorer with three goals.

He scored against Bath City and Bourne Town and came off the bench as an 84th-minute substitute to grab a dramatic late equaliser in Saturday’s 2-2 draw at Hampton and Richmond.

“At the start of the season I wasn’t really expecting to figure much so, to get 10 appearances and eight starts, I couldn’t have asked for much more really,” Bridges said.

“I feel I am getting better at reading the game and am more used to the physical aspect of it so I think I’m doing alright.”

Despite his exploits, the left-sided midfielder is still not guaranteed a place in Richard Dryden’s team but is not perturbed by the situation.

He said: “I think the gaffer is picking the best team for each game. It was an away game against a big, physical side so that might not necessarily be my strongest point but, as long as we’re getting results, I’m happy to come off the bench.

“I only played five minutes but I’ve made an impact on the game and we’ve taken an away point so I’m very happy.”