Oliver Gill has not been put off by his tough baptism to senior football.

Gill and fellow Manchester United youngster Reece Brown have been thrown in the deep end with City struggling near the foot of League Two.

But the defender has no regrets about accepting Peter Taylor’s offer to spend a month at Valley Parade.

Gill said: “It’s been a good experience so far. Obviously the two games haven’t gone the way we wanted but I’ve learned a lot.

“It’s very different from reserve games and a lot more physical, certainly against Morecambe last week. But I wouldn’t say it took me by surprise.

“I thought Hartlepool played a bit more football and it was a more even game which we were unlucky to lose.

“It’s certainly a step-up from the reserves and you’ve got the added pressure of playing for points. Everyone’s wanting to win and you learn a lot more.”

The 20-year-old was expecting to play the third of five scheduled appearances this afternoon at Barnet. Brown was sidelined again with a tweaked knee ligament, although he hopes to rejoin training next week.

Gill has played both centre half and left back already as City look to dig themselves out of their current rut.

He added: “It’s certainly not an easy situation but they’ve got good enough players here. You get one good result and hopefully the confidence comes back.

“You’re going to have times like this at some point of your career and hopefully I can learn and help the team get out of it.

“I came here to get games, train at the club and learn what it’s like to be a first-team player. I think it’s doing me good.”