MIDFIELDER Tom Kilbey is hoping to make an impact in his time at Dagenham & Redbridge, starting with this weekend s trip to Cheltenham Town. The 18-year-old played the full 90 minutes as Daggers were knocked out of the Johnstone s Paint Trophy at MK Dons

MIDFIELDER Tom Kilbey is hoping to make an impact in his time at Dagenham & Redbridge, starting with this weekend's trip to Cheltenham Town, writes MIKE SIMMONDS.

The 18-year-old played the full 90 minutes as Daggers were knocked out of the Johnstone's Paint Trophy at MK Dons in midweek, after signing on loan from Premier League side Portsmouth.

Now the youngster is hoping to stay in the side when his new club visit Whaddon Road on Saturday.

"Hopefully I'm involved and can show what I do," said Kilbey.

"It was good to get 90 minutes on Tuesday as playing League Two football will progress me, definitely.

"It is more about the win now, which is different to reserve team football, so it's a good learning curve and something I want to get used too."

The build up for Saturday's encounter should be a lot more settled for Kilbey, who had to dash up the motorway for Tuesday night's clash.

"It was quite a hectic day as I got a phone call at about nine saying the transfer was going through and I had some forms to sign in Waltham Abbey," he said.

"I got there, then went to Milton Keynes, so it was quite strange. I haven't been on loan before, so this will help me and the club."

Kilbey has quite an act to live up too, as the last Pompey player to represent Daggers was a certain Matt Ritchie, who was second in the supporter's player of the year award, after scoring 12 goals in his time at Victoria Road last season.

"Yeah, I spoke to Matt about down here and he said they played some good football and he enjoyed it. He scored plenty of goals, so it's something for me to aspire too," said the youngster, who didn't rule out a prolonged stay with the Daggers.

"If I'm doing well and the club think they want to extend my loan deal, then why not."

Will Kilbey be a good signing for the club? Email: mike.simmonds@archant.co.uk

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