WESTFIELDS player Sam Archer-Plane believes young players in the county need to be given the opportunity to flourish in the game.

The left-back has been a regular starter for Sean Edwards' side this season and is inspired by what fellow county player Jarrod Bowen has achieved at Premier League side Hull City.

"When I came here [from Wellington], I was one of the younger players, but I was given a chance by Sean and I can only repay him by doing the best I can," said Archer-Plane.

"Hopefully he can continue looking for younger players and bringing them through.

"But it's done to them to do the hard work.

"At the end of last season I was told what I needed to do to improve.

"I went away to improve on those things and I'm in the side.

"I was given the opportunity at the beginning of the season, so I just have to keep working hard because I know there's a few other players who can play in that position."

Archer-Plane says it's good that Westfields still have a number of local players in the side despite signing a number of players this season.

"You've got the local lads who have been here for a few years, but it's important you add quality coming into the club," he said.

"Fingers crossed that the manager can keep adding the right players into the squad because everyone is buzzing at the minute – the mood inside the changing room is something else."