NEW Magpies’ midfielder Luke Winsper claims he has “got a lot to prove” as a Southern League footballer and is looking to make an impact at the Avenue this term.

Plagued by injuries during a five-year spell at Weymouth earlier in his career, Winsper left the Bob Lucas Stadium in May 2016 and joined Blackfield & Langley last season, playing 37 games and scoring nine times.

He insists that spell in the Wessex League with the Watersiders provided a platform for him to regain and prove his match sharpness.

And, having linked up with manager Craig Laird once more, who was an assistant-manager during Winsper’s time with the Terras, the central midfielder is looking to showcase what he can do back in a league which he feels he is capable of playing in.

He told Echosport: “I feel like I have got a lot to prove back at this level. I feel I can play at this level and Craig knows that, otherwise he wouldn’t have signed me.

“I just needed that year out at Blackfield just to get a full season of games and to get myself fit after my injuries.

“I feel absolutely fine. Being with the lads now I feel I am fitter than I was again last season.”

Winsper, who is set to feature at the Avenue when the Magpies host Exeter City tomorrow (3pm), is also looking to impress in a bid to become a regular member of the Dorchester starting XI.

“I just want to stay fit, give Dorchester everything I can and see where it goes,” he added.

“I had to move on from Weymouth to get the game time. I couldn’t just sit there and play every now and again.

“Craig is now at Dorchester and he has given me the opportunity to get into the team.

“We have quite a big squad and it’s going to be a challenge for places, so everyone has to be performing.”