Ben Sheaf says he’s finding his loan spell with League Two side Stevenage FC more of a physical challenge, now that’s he’s playing with an older age group.

Sheaf moved on loan in January, after a positive recent spell with the Arsenal academy. Considering he’s spent almost the entirety of the last few years playing with the u23s, it’s unsurprising to hear him talk about the physical differences now he’s in a senior side.

“It’s been a learning experience,” he told the club Twitter account. 

“Obviously training’s a bit different, you’re around more men than boys now, more of a first-team environment. Bit more physically challenging but I’m embracing that and enjoying it.”

https://twitter.com/StevenageFC/status/971778526616653825

Sheaf explained that he wants to develop both this physical side and also the technical aspects of his game during his loan spell but he also admitted he’s just happy to be back on the pitch whatever his role in the team.

“I want to use my technical ability as much as I can, my range of passing and then obviously also break up the play and give it to the more attacking players who can do the damage,” he said.

“I’ve had a good two and a bit weeks solid training now. I’ve really enjoyed it. Bit of a difficult start coming in and tweaking my hamstring but now I’m pleased to be back playing.”

The 20-year-old had the chance to make his debut for the Arsenal first-team this season. He played a few minutes against Red Star Belgrade in Europe and West Ham United in the League Cup. To really get his senior career going though, he needed to move somewhere he could play regularly.

Finding the right club isn’t an easy task, and that hamstring injury in February didn’t help his game time.

Now hopefully he can push on for the rest of the season and take every opportunity he gets.