Spireites striker Fraser Bryden getting attuned to the demands of the EFL after switch from Irish football

Fraser Bryden believes he is getting up to speed with the demands of the EFL after his summer switch from Ireland.

The striker has had to adjust to English football since joining Chesterfield from Crusaders.

His manager there, Declan Caddell, described him as a player who brings “height, physicality, and a real eye for goal”.

And there was plenty of that last weekend as the 22-year-old helped himself to his first league goal for the Spireites, had an assist in another and led the line well in the 5-1 win over Crewe.

“It’s the just tempo and the quality of player,” he told the Derbyshire Times, talking about the difference between the Football League and his previous one.

“Not being disrespectful to the northern Irish League, there are some really good players over there. The main thing is that everyone is athletes over here - quick and strong.

“I’ve been getting used to that and just working in the gym with the physios and continuing to work hard in the training sessions.”

Bryden has had to be patient during is wait for game time but even after scoring 23 goals last term, that came as no surprise.

“I was kind of expecting that when I made the move,” he said.

“It was never going to be straight-forward and ‘in’ straight away when you have the likes of Griggy (Will) and Lee Bonis here and other quality players.

“I’ve been learning off them and I’ll continue to learn off them. Healthy competition in the squad is the main thing and we’ve got that.”

One thing Chesterfield haven’t lacked this season is balls into the penalty area.

What they have lacked is enough players getting on the end of them.

Bryden did that last Saturday with his measured header from Liam Mandeville’s ball in. He wants it to be the first of many.

“The way we play and the amount of balls we put into the box, it’s a joy to play in this team so I just have to make sure I get between the sticks,” added the front man.

He did well enough against Crewe to keep his place for this Friday’s date at Newport County.

“We watched his clips in the office the other day from the Barnet game, his other league start. He actually didn’t do a lot wrong,” explained assistant manager Danny Webb.

“It is hard, because Lee (Bonis) came into the team and worked his socks off and put in some really good performances, so Fraser was probably feeling a bit frustrated that he hasn’t had another chance to play.

“He got that and grabbed it with both hands and then Lee came on and saw it out with another workmanlike performance up top.

“It’s great for Fraser. He’s a cracking lad and he is certainly going to be one for the future for us.”