YOU GET the feeling from talking to Danny Spiller that the midfielder wants to make the most of his time with Dagenham & Redbridge, however long that may be.

YOU GET the feeling from talking to Danny Spiller that the midfielder wants to make the most of his time with Dagenham & Redbridge, however long that may be, writes MIKE SIMMONDS.

The 28-year-old, who signed on a short-term deal at Victoria Road last week, came on as a last minute substitute during Saturday's 2-1 win over Chesterfield.

He last tasted Football League action as a substitute for Millwall back in November, and after last season was a washout due to injury, he is out to make up for lost time.

"It was nice to get out there and experience a bit of league football again," he said. "It's been a while, but I enjoyed myself.

"I'm really looking forward to the prospect of playing, because my opportunities have been limited.

"It's hard for every player out of contract, especially with my situation as I was injured at Millwall.

"I'm looking to be part of the side and hopefully I can get some games in."

Troublesome

Spiller has endured a troublesome time after picking up an injury at the New Den last season, which restricted him to just three appearances.

"It was a mis-diagnosis," he revealed.

"I had a hip impingement, which, eventually, they hit the nail on the head with.

"I lost a lot of time, but now I want to turn the negatives into positives and hopefully it will add time on to the end of my career."

The midfielder spent most of pre-season at League One Brighton, but after leaving the Withdean, he turned out for Wycombe Wanderers once, before arriving at Victoria Road.

"I saw Dagenham were doing very well, my agent got in touch with John Still and he was more than happy to let me come in and do a couple of sessions training," said Spiller.

"I've come through all of pre-season and haven't missed a session, so all the signs are positive."

How long his spell at Daggers is remains to be seen, as Spiller was held in high regard in his days at Gillingham, so much so that West Ham were reported to have offered almost �1million for his services.

He has played most of his football in the Championship, and is actively looking to return there.

Excellent

"If I can come in and play well and then move to a higher standard where I've been in the past, that would be excellent," said Spiller, who didn't rule out extending his stay with Daggers either.

"It was tough coming down to League Two to start with, but already I'm enjoying it.

"If the manager would like to keep me here past Christmas, then I would be more than happy to, as I'm having a great time."

Spiller's first aim will be breaking into the Daggers side now, as manager John Still opted to keep the same eleven that drew 1-1 with Cheltenham, rather than introduce his new signing from the start.

"I have to be patient and I fully expected that," he admitted.

"I don't expect to come straight into the side, and I will have to work hard to get into the team.

"All the while the lads are getting results, it will keep me on my toes, but if that is the case, that can only be good for the camp.

"They haven't put a foot wrong so far and it's a great place to come down and kickstart my career again."

If you would like to comment on this story, email: mike.simmonds@archant.co.uk

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