Accrington Stanley defender Tom Bender has revealed that he is pleased to be back playing football after six weeks out with a head injury.

The 18-year-old was left unconscious after colliding with Stanley keeper Ian Dunbavin and Tranmere's Lucas Akins during a Johnstone's Paint Trophy tie last month.

However, the youngster made a return to action on Saturday during his side's 4-1 FA Cup defeat to Notts County and has now targeted a starting role in the team.

"Everyone wants to stay in the team, that's just the way it is," he said. "The players that aren't in the team want to get in the team like myself.

"For me to come on, it was an opportunity to show what I can do. I worked as hard as I could and hopefully that has given me a better chance of starting."

Bender is currently on loan with Stanley from Colchester United.