EMERGING talent Dan Peart is pushing for a regular starting place, according to Bridport manager Trevor Senior.

The former Dorchester Town Under-18s’ star has caught Senior’s eye with his committed attitude and has become an increasingly integral member of the squad since joining the club last summer.

Man of the match in the Bees’ barnstorming Dorset Senior Cup giant-killing of Wimborne Town, Peart once again illustrated his potential against Calne Town last Saturday.

He provided the assist for Russell Legg’s opener and dictated the play from midfield in a display that earned plaudits from Senior.

Peart’s rapid rise draws parallels with that of Jamie Symes, another youngster who slotted seamlessly into senior football last season, so much so that he even earned a trial at Blackpool.

And such is Senior’s impression of Peart, who has only just turned 17, that he could soon force his way into the side on a permanent basis.

Senior said: “Ever since Dan played against Wimborne he has done really well whenever he’s been in the team, whether that has been from the start or from the bench.

“He is only 17 but like Jamie Symes he has taken to senior football like a duck to water. He has a mature head on his shoulders and has a good attitude to football.

“He looked good in pre-season and I took him with us for our first friendly against Westland Sports. He got a bit of a run out and did well. I also had good reports about him from Steve Crabb in the reserves.

“Dan has certainly not done himself any harm when it comes to nailing down a starting place, and he’s going to become more and more involved.”

Bridport are without a fixture this weekend but the break should enable them to refresh and re-energise ahead of a run-in that could lead to promotion from Toolstation Western League Division One.

Injury victims Chris Clarke (dead leg) and Ryan Dovell (thigh) are both expected to recover before the Bees return to action at Hengrove Athletic on February 26.

Senior added: “We have got two important games coming up after our break, with Hengrove away and then Weymouth in the semi-final of the Dorset Senior Cup three days later.

“We are right up there with plenty to play for, but we have got tough games to come. If we are to get promoted, we will have earned it.”

n Bridport Reserves entertain high-flying Sherborne Town Reserves in the Magna Dorset Premier League at St Mary’s Field tomorrow (3pm).