Rai Simons hopes to force his way into Chesterfield’s first team with the Bermuda striker enjoying life at the Proact Stadium.

Simons, 19, made his biggest impression to date as a Chesterfield player when he scored an acrobatic volley in the reserves win against Doncaster Rovers on Tuesday.

The goal in the 3-2 victory follows on from some impressive performances and goals in preseason for Simons, who joined Chesterfield from non-League Ilkeston at the end of last season.

“The lads have been good to me and they’re easy to get along with so I’m enjoying it so far,” Simons said.

“The professional game is obviously more technical and you need to think more, whereas in the non-League where it’s fast-paced and there are tackles flying in everywhere. It becomes more of a thinking game the higher up you get.

“I just try to get to the line, get in crosses, shots and make chances — whatever helps the team.”

Simons admits he will have to bide his time as he waits for his opportunity.

“I’m not sure how close I am to the first team, I’m not really trying to rush anything and I’m doing my best to show that I’m ready when the time comes,” he said. “I’ve always loved playing football and no matter where I go I give it my all and hope for the best.”

Simons was a part of Bermuda’s World Cup qualifying campaign, coming on as a late substitute in the home match against Guatemala and immediately started to make an impact with his forceful runs into the box.

“I’m waiting for more fixtures to come out and then if I get called up we’ll see where it goes,” he said. “Now I’m enjoying it here, I keep improving and hopefully I’ll get the chance to start performing in the first team.”

Chesterfield are eighth in Sky Bet League One with three wins and a draw from six matches. They trail leaders Gillingham by four points.