AFC Fylde starlet Serhat Tasdemir hopes he can make an impact as the Coasters gear up for the National League run in. 

The 17-year-old former Blackburn Rovers attacker has been a revelation since making the transition from Fylde youth team in the summer.

Tasdemir has since been a regular in Dave Challinor’s plans and popped up with a key goal in the 3-1 victory over promotion rivals Dover Athletic last time out at Mill Farm. 

The youngster, who has four goals to his name this season, admits he is loving life as part of the first team squad in a snippet from this weekend’s official Matchday Programme…

Tasdemir said: “On the whole, this season has been really good. I have been in and out of the team and that is frustrating but it just drives me on to work harder off the pitch. Getting the goals and performing when I am on the pitch is a boost.

“The aim for me is to get more goals and contribute in big games, just like I did last week against Dover. That was a big goal for me and hopefully there are more to come.

“That was definitely my most important goal of the season and it was a great feeling when it went in. When I got the ball, I knew the two defenders we coming straight at me so I just shimmied to the right and put my foot through it. I was very happy to see it fly in!

“Of course it’s difficult when I’m not selected, but I understand where the gaffer is coming from when I’m not in. Sometimes it’s a bit risky throwing a young player into the team. 

“However, even when I’m not in the squad, I’m still happy. I’m training hard and doing my best to get in and I know when I get my chance I’ll take it.”

Read the full interview with Serhat in this weekend’s Matchday Programme!