Jake Taylor admits that his loan move to Port Vale was the best decision he's ever made following an impressive couple of months with the club.
Taylor signed a short-term loan deal with the club in late August and has not looked back since, flourishing during his first two months at Vale Park
The young midfielder made the switch in order to gain some first-team experience and has cemented himself in Askey's side, starting the last 10 matches in all competitions.
Taylor's spell is due to end in January, but he has emphasised that he is not looking that far ahead and is thoroughly concentrating on his time at the Vale.
“It's probably the decision I’ve ever made [joining the Vale on loan], it’s what I needed, playing u23’s football I think I reached my maximum, you can only go so far.
“The next step was to come into first team football and test the waters and I think it’s going alright, I can still improve in areas of my game, I can only get experience from playing in these sort of atmospheres and hopefully it continues.
“I’m loving my time at Vale it’s a great club with a great following. At the moment I’m only thinking about playing well for Vale, I’ve got no interest of looking too far ahead I’m just looking towards the next game and next training session.
The attacking midfielder scored the most important goal of his footballing career so far yesterday. He netted the winner against local rivals Crewe in what was the club's third successive win against the Railway Men, and Taylor admits that it's important for himself to add goals to his game.
It was his fourth goal of the season in all competitions this term and his second in his last four appearances for the Valiants.
Taylor stressed that his consistent performances for the Vale, as well as adding goals when he can, will allow his confidence to grow match by match.
“If anyone knows me, I’m a shy person but once you get to know me I’m a confident guy, a confident player, I like to get on the ball and express myself, show everyone what I can do.
“I think confidence grows if you’re playing well, obviously scoring goals help but first and foremost, you’re playing well for the team, you’re working hard the confidence grows match by match.
“Goals are something I’ve not had to my game for the last couple of seasons but I think it’s important for someone in my position, an attacking midfielder to pitch in with a couple of goals and assists to help the forwards out an hopefully it continues”