Young Hartlepool United defender Kenton Richardson discusses his comeback, position and injury set-back

The 20-year-old defender was handed a starting spot for the season opener against Sutton United as the right-back position was his to lose.

Unfortunately an ankle injury sustained during the opening day defeat sidelined Richardson for over a month as he now looks to regain a regular spot in the side.

After a 10 game absence, he has now started the last two matches at centre-back and is set to retain his place for Saturday’s trip to Eastleigh.

And despite playing out of position on the left side of a back three, Richardson is relishing being back.

“I’ve really enjoyed it coming back and I think I’ve been all right for the most part,” he said.

“I was feeling really positive after pre-season and I was delighted with how I did and starting the opening game was great for me.

“I think I deserved the start so to get injured was really gutting after all the hard work I’d put in over the summer to get into the team. That was all undone by that injury but I’m just glad to be back and ready to kick-on.

“It’s not my natural position playing centre-half but for me I’m just happy to be on the pitch and giving it my all really, I’ll play anywhere. It is hard on the left, everything changes for you but I’ve been working on my left foot in training so I’m ready to play on the left side and I won’t be scared to use my weaker foot.”

As one of the younger members of the squad, Richardson pointed to the importance of having an experienced head in Michael Raynes alongside him at the back.

“Without a doubt, Raynesy is so important,” he added.

“He talks throughout the game because he’s an experienced pro who knows a lot about the game and he helps me through games if I’m ever unsure about stuff.

“Now the hard part will be keeping my place, our squad is a lot bigger than last year and there’s a few defenders still to come back.”