The following interview is re-produced for the interest of supporters here on harriers.co.uk from our match day programme. The article appears as printed in the 2 March issue v Ebbsfleet United and will contain dated references to the game.

As one of the new faces around Aggborough, we felt it was time we sat down for 'a word with' goalkeeper Ross Atkins prior to tonight's game with Ebbsfleet United.

The youngster, on loan from Derby County, has been drafted in initially for a one-month period as Dean Coleman awaits surgery on a groin problem.

Atkins is now battling it out with our other shot-stopper, Jasbir Singh, for that one place between the sticks. He edged that very battle to make a Harriers debut earlier this month - and some debut it was.

They say many players are thrown in at the deep end when arriving at clubs in situations similar to the one Ross finds himself in, so there's perhaps no surprise in the fact that this is exactly how he described his first start, away at Oxford United, in the FA Carlsberg Trophy quarter-final at the Kassam Stadium.

"It can be the best way to start - if you're professional enough then you can take each game as it comes," says the Pride Park starlet.

"You try not to worry too much about the situation that has got you there and focus more on your own game and that helps you get through it.

"I really enjoyed it; it was a great game to play in. I was a bit nervous in myself when I was just sitting around waiting for things to get going on the day but once I got out there it was great.

"The lads made it really easy for me and have really welcomed me which has definitely helped.

"Once I could get out there on to the pitch and focus on football, it was down to business.

"I was glad I could do a bit at the start - I made a save early on and got a bit lucky after when one just seemed to hit me more than anything.

"The defenders ensured I didn't have too much to do after that. Against a team like Oxford and in a big Cup competition, if you lose an early goal then it is easy for them to sit back and just take the result so the save definitely helped and made me feel good."

It's clear from talking to Atkins that he is relishing the chance to be involved in the entire match day experience.

Save for a loan spell at Southport last term, he's had very little first team experience and a temporary stint at Burton prior to his arrival at Aggborough left him on the outside looking in.

So to have played a big part in his new team's victory on that day and had the chance to sample the fantastic atmosphere generated by the fans after the game, it is understandable that he's pleased to be here.

"I was getting plenty of messages after the game from people saying they'd seen the result and 'well done.'" He adds.

"It's just nice to be a part of it - it is nice to play and, obviously, nice to win.

"Once you get your first game out of the way you're naturally more part of the team but it is always nice when you're coming to a place where you don't know anyone to be able to settle in quickly - this is a good place to be.

"From what I've seen this is a good team and everyone helps everyone else in what they're doing - and you don't get to where we are in the table and to the semi-finals of a Cup competition without having a good team spirit."

And what of the future, both immediate and long term, for the 20 year-old former England Youth International?

It's obvious he's keen to stay at Aggborough for as long a possible, and he's hoping that some big performances whilst here can help ensure his future at his Championship parent club.

"I've spoken to both managers and I'm here for a month initially and if I'm needed after that then hopefully it can be extended, that's what I'd like to happen," he admits.

"It's very much up to the management but coming here into a team like this who are going well in the League and the Cup competitions is what I need and exactly what I want.

"The fact we've been doing so well as made it so much easier for me to settle in and I'm just looking forward to getting games and doing well, wherever I am.

"I've come through the system at Derby and they have helped me massively, especially with the England experience.

"I want to keep playing and let's see what happens over the next couple of years; hopefully I can push on for one of the goalkeeping spots back at Derby.

"They're looking at my performances whilst I'm here and obviously if I am playing well it can only do me good."

If it's playing football he wants whilst he is at Aggborough, then Atkins certainly looks set to get his fill.

Should his initial period indeed be extended until the end of the campaign, he'll have a huge sack-full of Blue Square Premier and FA Trophy games to sandwich in. Opportunity certainly has knocked.

He explains: "It's all about playing games - it is what we're here for and it is what we get paid to do, so you can't moan at the chance to play a lot of football.

"There's a lot coming up but if you prepare properly and do the right things between games then you can get yourself through it.

"To get a chance to, hopefully, play at Wembley if I'm here would be incredible.

"I've been sat in the reserves at Derby for six months trying to get out on loan but I've come here, played my first game and potentially we're two matches away from playing in a Wembley Final - it's crazy!"