DEFENDER Jamie West is focused on grabbing his chance when it comes for the Terras, and he could be in line to start when Weymouth host Banbury United this afternoon (3pm).

The 18-year-old, a former AFC Bournemouth youth prospect and son of former Dorchester Town and Liverpool striker Dave West, was released by the Cherries back in April and arrived at the Bob Lucas Stadium in the summer after impressing as a trialist in pre-season.

Since then, league action has been hard to come by at right-back for the youngster, with first-team regular Ashley Wells in solid form.

But with Wells suspended for today’s encounter with the Puritans, if given the opportunity, the talented youngster is keen to show his credentials.

“It’s a good chance if I do get the opportunity to play,” West told Echosport.

“I am looking forward to it and it should be a good game.

“Jason sat down and spoke to me last week and said ‘Ashley is suspended next weekend so just make sure you’re ready’ from then on I have just got my head down.

“It has been frustrating but I believe you have to be patient, football is a patience game. I have waited for my opportunity and if I do get it I will take it.”

West, who lives in Rodwell, was given 90 minutes for the Terras’ reserves last weekend as well as a run out in the Dorset Senior Cup win against Hamworthy Recreation.

“I’m feeling my match sharpness is there,” added the defender, who also started in Wells’ absence in the 5-3 FA Cup defeat at Braintree in October.

“When I have played in the cup games I do believe I have done alright and played quite well.

On his current spell with Weymouth, he added: “I am loving it, I am a local lad and training is only five minutes away.”