CALLUM Hawkins says that players progressing from the Academy into the first team must enjoy the chances they are given, but working hard should be their chief priority.
The goalkeeper, who along with Reece Hutchinson signed his first professional deal at the end of last season, is one of five current members of the first team squad to have come through the Academy.
He has spent time out on-loan over the last two seasons, but has managed to break into the matchday squad for last two games, being named on the bench as backup for Stephen Bywater.
Hawkins has managed to become third-choice in a stacked goalkeeping pool for the Brewers, with the club taking up their option to extend his deal by a further year earlier this week.
The Academy graduate says that it is important for the Young Brewers that are coming into the first team to work hard, but hopes that the success of the younger players in the squad shows what can be achieved.
He said: “Enjoy it, enjoy every experience. If you are on an away trip and on a stopover, enjoy it because you are never going to have those experiences again. You are in a rare group of people just to get to that standard, so enjoy everything you do and work hard.
“Reece (Hutchinson) has done well, he has come in and got his new deal. Marcus (Harness) has stepped up this season and has done extremely well for himself. He has pushed everyone else forward.
“It pushes everyone on and makes them feel like they have a chance, there is a pathway through the club because the gaffer has got the trust in us. We can always push on and get into the team.”