JAKE Hesketh believes he has become a better player during his time with Lincoln City.

The 23-year-old is up against Rotherham United tonight, his 21st appearance for Lincoln since joining on loan from Saints in September.

“I feel like I’m a much better player than when I came, I’m learning from the manager every day and the other players here,” said the midfielder, who made his two Premier League appearances for Saints in December 2014.

“Getting match experience on a Saturday is massive. I’m really enjoying it, training’s been good and I’m getting on well with the lads.

“There’s a lot of competition, quite a few attacking players have come in so that’s something you’ve got to overcome and prove that you should be playing instead.

“I experienced [playing first-team football] last year [at Burton Albion and MK Dons], that was my first taste and I don’t think Under-23s football really compares.”

Lincoln are aiming to avoid a run of three successive defeats tonight.

“It’s massive but I think that’s the case any weekend,” continued Hesketh. “Especially after a loss, everyone wants to go out and put it right. When it’s an evening game I personally prefer it, I know a few of the lads do. It brings a bit more of a buzz and a bit more of an atmosphere. I’ve just got to show what I can do in training, and whatever minutes I get on the pitch, I have to show that I deserve to be there.”