FRONTMAN Dan Nlundulu insisted he was “very grateful” for the opportunity to play regularly at Cheltenham this season.

The Saints striker initially joined the League One outfit on loan last January, impressing in his first four appearances, which included a goal against Charlton Athletic.

But the forward’s time in Gloucestershire was swiftly cut short, after he suffered a season-ending hamstring injury last season.

Nlundulu then made the move back to Cheltenham on loan in July and has gone on to play more than 20 times in all competitions for the Robins.

Speaking to the club website, the 23-year-old said: “At the end of the day, I came here for experience and to play games.

“When I came here in the summer, we had a meeting and that’s what Cheltenham promised me and that’s what I’m receiving.

“I am very grateful for the club to give me that opportunity. Of course, I would have like to have a lot more goals but, you know, I can only feel I can keep positive.

“I feel like I am still contributing within the team in the way I play.

“Playing games is exactly what I wanted and exactly what I need as a player, so I can find myself as a player and as a striker.

“I am really enjoying it, playing week in, week out. If the fans are – it’s great.”

Nlundulu was speaking ahead of Wade Elliot’s side’s home clash with Plymouth Argyle on Boxing Day.

Born in France, Nlundulu was an England youth international.

He has made 16 appearances for Saints, mainly as a substitute, scoring on his only start, which came against Shrewsbury Town in the FA Cup in January 2021.

Originally part of Chelsea's academy, the forward spent the first half of last season on loan at Lincoln City, before switching to Cheltenham.

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