Rai Simons has had to wait for his opportunity to make an impression for Chesterfield, but with a busy Christmas period ahead, the Bermudian may have slotted into the side at the right time.

Two matches in a week have boosted Simons’s chances of making an impact at the Sky Bet League One strugglers and the striker is hoping that despite the weekend’s loss away to Peterborough United, he will be able to keep his place in Danny Wilson’s side.

The 20-year-old played 67 minutes against Peterborough before being substituted.

“It has been a tough time for me personally,” Simons told Chesterfield’s official website. “I have not been involved, so I am just trying to work hard in training and get my chance, hopefully I have impressed enough to keep my spot.

“As I haven’t been involved, I was lacking in match fitness and match sharpness, so I am just trying to play a simple game and get a feel for the match at a first-team pace.”

Simons featured primarily as a striker prior to his absence, but has played further down the field since his return, a position that he feels suits him better.

“I feel more comfortable because I am on the ball more and facing the goal. That is anyone’s dream really, going towards goal rather than away from it, receiving passes and getting at people, it comes naturally for me.

“I would say I am best in the ten position. Getting on the ball or getting second balls, turning and driving at defenders, and hopefully making something happen.”

The forward scored four times in his maiden Sky Bet League One season last year and although he has not netted in this campaign, he insists that Chesterfield’s supporters are yet to see the best of him.

“Training and reserve games are a different tempo and level to the first team, I just want to get involved, start steady and not do too much. I don’t want to do too little either.”