Elliot Embleton picked up his PFA Bristol Street Motors Player of the Month award for December at Grimsby Town's Cheapside training round yesterday and was quick to highlight the importance of his spell with the Mariners.

Embleton was in superb form for the Lincolnshire side before Christmas, starring as they won five of their six matches. He scored in the only defeat too and established himself as a key player for Michael Jolley's side.

In total he's started 19 matches for the Mariners, helping them overcome a tough start to the season to tuck themselves safely into the middle of the pack.

The Durham-born schemer was quick to praise the club and fans when Football League World exclusively caught up with him yesterday.

When asked how much he'd benefitted from playing regular, competitive football, he replied: "It's benefitted me massively, playing week in week out. It's important to be playing for points. The games mean a lot to me and to the fans and I'm enjoying it here."

The 19-year-old recently extended his stay at Blundell Park until the end of the season and will play a prominent role in their outside chances of a late play-off push.

The Verdict

Embleton is a grounded and focused young man who is benefitting from playing competitive football.

In the Under 23 leagues it must be easy to get lost in the lack of meaning. Sure, winning a league is great but who does it matter to? Six men watching on the side of the pitch?

At Grimsby he's playing in front of proper crowd in passionate matches that are both competitive and challenging. A young player can only draw positive experiences from that exposure to senior football.