Max Johnston wants to keep up his recent good form at Cove Rangers and force his way into the Motherwell first-team.
Johnston has impressed during his time at Cove, making himself a key part of Jim McIntyre’s side while on loan from the Steelmen.
He set up Gerry McDonagh’s goal against Hamilton Accies and was a threat down the right flank in the 2-0 win over Queen’s Park on Friday night.
Johnston spent last season at Queen of the South and sought to build on those experiences this year after moving to the Balmoral Stadium.
He continues to train with Motherwell during the week and has a long-term goal of breaking into the senior squad with his parent club.
“I’m getting the opportunity to play and gaining more experience each game,” said Johnston.
“A few of the guys at Motherwell watched the game on Friday night and said I did well. Stephen O’Donnell keeps pushing me on.
“I send them clips after a game on a Saturday and I get some feedback from the gaffer (Stephen Hammell) and Brian Kerr (assistant manager).
“I’m looking to get into the Motherwell team so it’s good knowing what I can do better at to get there.
“I’m not sure if I’ll go back in January, that will be up to Motherwell, but I’m enjoying my time at Cove. I want to get as many games under my belt as possible and be playing every week.”
His partnership with Luis Longstaff on the right continues to flourish, with both starting to show the benefits of regular game-time.
“We’ve been working on it in training and building up a relationship,” added Johnston. “I feel it’s getting better as the games go on.”
Cove take on Arbroath tomorrow at Gayfield, with the onus on the Aberdeen side to end their away-day hoodoo and put some distance between themselves and the foot of the table.
The two sides met in the north-east last month, with Cove coming out on top 2-0.
“They’re a good team and it’s going to be a difficult game,” said Johnston. “It’ll be a big one and hopefully we can get some more points on the board and push up the table.
“I played centre-midfield last year against them (for Queens) and it’s always a physical game against Arbroath. You’ve got to be up for that.
“The boys have shown they can handle themselves and we will need to do it again on Saturday.”