NEW Harrow Borough goalkeeper Ross Fitzsimons is hoping to launch his career with some much needed game time in the rough and tumble of the Ryman Premier.
The 18-year-old has been brought in for an initial one-month loan from Crystal Palace following Elvijs Putnins' departure to Woking last week.
He was drafted in by boss Dave Anderson for Saturday's 1-1 draw at Metropolitan Police and is eager to get stuck in with Harrow.
Fitzsimons said: "I've played a few under-21 games and sat on the bench a few times for Palace, but I haven't made any first-team appearance.
It was a baptism of fire for the young keeper against the Met, where he was called into action on numerous occasions, and took a few knocks for his trouble.
He said: "It's a different style of football to what I'm used to. It's much more direct and it gives me a chance to get some experience of different styles of football under my belt.
"It's been a little bit more physical than I was expecting. I claimed a corner in the second half and got smashed a little bit, which was interesting.
"I made some good saves and that's what I'm here to do. I want to see if I can help us get up the table as far as we can.
Fitzsimons has been on the look-out for first team opportunities for a while and the departure of Putnins to the Cards provided the ideal opportunity for both club and player.
He continued: "I've been at Palace since I was 14 and came up through the ranks. We were looking to get me out somewhere before Christmas, but we didn't get anyone to take the punt on me at that time.