CONCORD Rangers starlet Jed Smith admits he is loving his football after bridging the gap to the first team.

The right back, 18, has been a revelation after forcing his way into the Beach Boys’ starting line-up this season.

Smith has started five of the last seven games in all competitions and is fast becoming one of manager Adam Flanagan’s trusted men.

With 12 appearances under his belt already this season, Smith says he wants to keep improving after his strong start.

“It has been great so far,” said the Seevic College student, who made his debut as a 17-year-old against Whitehawk last April. “I got involved with the first team towards the end of last year and was on the bench a few times and was involved in training sessions.

“But I didn’t think I would be this involved come this season. I played against Barnet in pre-season and I have been involved ever since.”

Smith has been with Concord since he was just seven-years-old and is only now a second year under-18 player at the club.

A key member of the under-15 and under-16 County Cup winning sides, the defender has already courted interest from professional clubs.

And he says he wants to continue getting games under his belt in the National League South this year, as the Beach Boys look to secure their league status in the months ahead.

“To play as many times as I have is massive for me,” said Smith. “The thing I have noticed most is the physicality of the league. I am not that big so it is hard to deal with at times but I am doing OK and it is something I can work on.

“They all look after me at Concord and they help me a lot as well. They like my work rate and I will always give my all for the team.”

And Smith says he is more of an old school defender than many modern day full-backs.

“I am probably quite an old school defender as I want to defend,” said Smith, who lives in Benfleet. “I love it, although I like to get forward as well.

“I know my role in the team and I will do whatever is needed.

“In terms of the rest of the season I just want to stay in the team and get as many appearances under my belt as possible.

“It has been a good season so far but we still want to achieve a lot as a team.”