David Wheeler has set his sights on being a more consistent member of the Exeter City first team next season.
The popular winger, who says he will be around at St James's Park for the 2014/15 campaign, has played 38 games for the Grecians this term following his summer move from non-league Staines Town.
It has been his debut season in the Football League, but he has quickly adapted to life in the professional game.
He has scored three goals for the Grecians, including one in City's 2-0 win over Hartlepool United on Saturday, and put in some match-winning performances.
However, having not managed to hold down a regular starting place in the final few months of the campaign, he is targeting bigger things next season.
"I think if you look at most of those appearances I have made, they haven't been for the full 90 minutes," he said. "So my aim is to get fitter, I also need get better at conserving my energy at the right times.
"I need to make it very difficult for the manager to bring me off next season."
Wheeler says he has learned a lot in his first 10 months as a City player, and puts his goal and performance in the Devon derby against Torquay United at Plainmoor as his highlight of the season.
"For me, that game stood out because it was a really important game for the fans," he said.
"I thought my general play, as well as the goal I scored in that match, was good.
"However, I hope I can put a lot more performances in like that for Exeter City next season and make my performances a lot more consistent.
"I have definitely learned a lot from the coaching staff at Exeter City. I'm hoping that is going to help me and I'm going to be twice the player I was when I first came to the club.
"I think I have improved. I think my understanding of pace and style of the play, as well as the tactical side of the game, is a lot better."
Wheeler also played in an unfamiliar role as a striker on Saturday. He says he relishes the challenge of learning a new position as it should get him more minutes on the pitch.
"It only helps my cause of trying to play more games – and trying to stay on the pitch for longer – if I can be more flexible and play in different positions," he said. "I fully enjoyed it on Saturday, it was a good experience. It was quite exciting to play in that position."
Wheeler also added that the victory against Hartlepool, with a team made up of mostly young players, showed the potential the City squad has.
"I think the people who watched the Exeter City under-21 games know we are capable of playing some nice football," he said.
"Obviously it is a big difference stepping up to League Two, with some experienced opposition. However, it is great that most of the younger lads in have, at some point, played a part in the first team.
"I think it will take the edge of it for next season. Those guys should come back in the summer more comfortable about playing in the first team and feeling more confident about themselves."
