GOALKEEPER Ethan Ross insists his “frustrating” two-month spell on the bench has made him “hungrier” to nail down the number one jersey at Worcester City.

The 19-year-old is expected to start in goal at Salford City on Saturday (3pm) after playing a starring role in the 2-1 win over AFC Telford United at the Victoria Ground last weekend.

It was Ross’ first appearance since early September and the teenager did not disappoint as he pulled off a series of fine saves.

“I am pleased with the saves I made but that’s what I train all week to do,” said the West Bromwich Albion youngster, who is on loan until January.

“It has been frustrating on a personal level (to be on the bench) but I have always been working hard behind the scenes, so when my chance came I knew I could handle it.”

After enjoying his stint at Worcester last season, Ross was keen to continue his development at the National League North outfit this term.

He featured in six of his side’s first nine games but, with Worcester struggling to get results, manager Carl Heeley called upon Port Vale’s Ryan Boot.

Ross admitted the arrival of the 22-year-old was a “bitter pill to swallow” but he said it did make him even more determined to reclaim his spot.

Boot kept six clean sheets in 10 matches as City climbed off the bottom of the table to as high as 12th before he decided to join National League side Macclesfield Town on loan last week.

“When Booty came in, he gave the team so much confidence, so I knew I needed to learn from him,” Ross said.

“He is a bit older than me, so he has taught me a lot off the pitch and I got on with him really well.

“It speaks volumes he got a loan move to a higher club. He used this as a stepping stone.

“I was disappointed I was not playing and it was a bitter pill to swallow but it made me hungrier.”

Ross also hopes a run of games at Worcester will lead to further opportunities at West Brom.

“There are two very good goalkeepers in the under 21s at the moment, so I know where my bread is buttered and that’s here at City,” Ross added.

“I have still been training there in the week and have been going in on Sundays with the under 23s but, as far as game-time is concerned, I have not been playing. It’s important what I do here.

“I am a young lad but I am here to try to play games and get experience.

“I have got all the right support network around me, so I need to push on, try to get a run of games and play well.”