I need to step up - George

Photo: Alan Howarth

THAT'LL DO FOR ME . . . George Edmundson has signed a new two-year contract at SportsDirect.com Park

TEENAGE defender George Edmundson will be desperate to make his mark should he get the chance to shine in Athletic's defence again next season.

Manager John Sheridan clearly rates the 19-year-old highly, having rewarded the Timperley-born talent with a new two-year contract, with the option of a further year.

Edmundson spent a chunk of last term on loan at Conference North outfit Alfreton Town, before returning to SportsDirect.com Park at the beginning of the year and making four first-team appearances before the season was out.

He started in the final game of 2016-17 and helped keep a clean sheet in a goalless draw at AFC Wimbledon.

STEPPED UP

On a day when Sheridan's new season preparations stepped up another notch with the news that experienced midfielder Paul Green had signed a new one-year contract, confident Edmundson appears ready to try to force himself into more regular first-team reckoning at SportsDirect.com Park.

He said: "I'm buzzing to get a two-year deal, I just can't wait to get started again.

"I'm 20 this season, I don't think I'm a kid anymore and I need to step up.

"I will be pushing to start as many games as I can.

"I'll be pushing Anthony Gerrard and Peter Clarke to the edge to be starting."

Since the end of last season, Edmundson has been away on holiday, but is keen to get back into pre-season training.

"EXCITED"

"I'm already bored at home so I'm excited to get going again," he added.

"I haven't started running yet but I will do soon."

Edmundson knows he faces stern competition for his position, and he will be challenged by another youngster who also came through the Athletic youth system.

"Jamie Stott did really well towards the end of last season so we will be pushing each other to get a starting place," said Edmundson.

Meanwhile, Green, who joined Athletic last summer, has penned a contract extension which will keep him at SportsDirect.com Park until the end of the 2017-18 season.

The 34-year-old former Doncaster, Derby, Leeds and Rotherham schemer made 47 appearances for Athletic last term, scoring one goal - a penalty against Peterborough United.