Don't expect him to belt out the lyrics from Oliver but Luke Medley will do pretty much anything to get noticed by Stuart McCall tomorrow night.

The City chief has made it clear that he will give youth its head in the closing weeks of the season - and Medley is desperate that his own chance to catch the eye comes as soon as possible.

The 18-year-old striker announced himself on the senior scene in the most spectacular style possible in August when he thundered home a stunning winner against Wrexham with his first touch.

It was an impossible act to follow and Medley's campaign since has not panned out as he had hoped. He has seen limited action - just five appearances as a substitute - and spent an unsuccessful loan spell with non-league Cambridge City.

But Medley insists it has not been all bad news and believes the last few months have improved him as a player.

"I think my game has got better but I've still got a lot to learn about patience and showing composure in front of goal," he said.

"The season started so well for me and then I went on loan, which wasn't the best, but I was training at Leyton Orient at the time which was still a good experience.

"Cambridge City was a learning curve more than anything. I started the first couple of games and was then stuck on the bench but I scored in my first reserve game when I returned here, so it was good to bounce back.

"I've been doing well in training and for the reserves, so hopefully I'll get my chance again, but obviously it's up to Stuart McCall."

Eddie Johnson got the nod from McCall to go back to his old attacking role against Morecambe on Saturday and, after netting the only goal, he is again likely to partner Barry Conlon against Barnet tomorrow with Peter Thorne still out.

Medley, having got on for the last ten minutes at Rochdale last week, did not get a run-out in Saturday's win - but he is keeping his fingers crossed to see some game time tomorrow evening against the club where his route to the professional game began with the London-based Protec Football Academy.

Medley's morale has not been knocked by the setbacks. He remains a confident character and believes he can show McCall enough to earn another deal in the summer.

"My aim is to keep going to the end of the season, maybe score a few goals and hopefully get an improved contract after that," he said.

"I know there are a lot of players in the same position but that keeps everyone on their toes, which is good.

"It's a big difference from playing for the reserves and getting a chance in the first team. You've got the extra pressure from so many people there watching.

"But I just learn to block it all out and try to play like I can if I was kicking a ball in the park.

"It's a confidence thing but I find it quite easy to do. If you make a mistake, you've just got to keep your head up and not worry about it."

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