James forced to become a fast learner

JAMES TARKOWSKI . . . sink or swim in the first team.

JAMES Tarkowski has been forced to travel along a rapid learning curve following his elevation to the first team.

With captain Reuben Hazell out with a knee ligament injury, the 18-year-old has started the last three matches after forcing his way in front of on-loan Neal Trotman and Andy Todd in the pecking order.

And as the Walsall game approached its final stages on Monday afternoon, with Jean-Yves Mvoto pushed up front and Kieran Lee and Cedric Evina off the field injured, Tarkowsi was the only player in the starting defensive line-up still guarding the rear at Boundary Park.

That is quite some responsibility for a player who has not yet even signed professional terms.

And while he enjoys the rewards of the trust placed in his ability by manager Paul Dickov, the teenager from New Moston knows he has plenty of hard work in front of him before he can start patting himself on the back.

"I was used to just playing youth team football at the start of the season," said Tarkowski, who has a total of five first-team starts under his belt so far.

"Suddenly, it has been put upon me to play in the first team. And regularly, at the moment.

"I am enjoying it. It is tough, fitness-wise, but the season is nearly over now.

"I can last one game but when we have two games close together I am struggling because my body doesn't recover as quickly as those who have had pre-seasons.

"I start my new programme next week and through the summer I will be working hard to get to full fitness for next season."

Tarkowski says that one of the main differences he has noticed in making the jump to League One level is the no-nonsense attitude of the professionals he comes up against.

"Everyone is in your face all the time and the only time you really get to rest is when the ball is out of play," he added.

"In the Premier League you can pass it round at the back to give everyone a little break, but in League One it is nothing like that.

"You have players trying to put you under pressure all of the time.

"Playing against Jon Macken (the Walsall striker) on Monday was very tough because of his knowledge and experience and he was quite strong as well, compared to me."

A fourth start in a row is likely for Tarkowski against Swindon at the County Ground tomorrow.

He believes that despite the fact Swindon's relegation fate has already been sealed, there will be plenty riding on the game.

"Even though neither of us are playing for anything, people are playing for contracts for next season so everyone will want to perform," Tarkowski said.

"They have struggled this season and gone down, but will still want to impress in front of their home fans."