CRAIG Easton has never been afraid of hard graft and the combative midfielder is preparing to roll up his sleeves again ahead of Saturday’s FA Cup tie at Histon.

Michael Pook’s renaissance in the middle of the park has seen Easton, pictured left, confined to the bench in recent weeks, a role he has been unaccustomed to during his County Ground career to date.

Indeed, Easton made more appearances than any other Town player last season, 45 in total, despite missing a month through injury.

The vice captain came on a second-half substitute in the 3-3 draw with Scunthorpe on Saturday, and is now targeting a full 90 minutes at Histon’s Glassworld Stadium.

“I’m always pushing for a start, but it’s up to the gaffer what team he picks,” said Easton.

“Obviously it was disappointing when I missed out.

“I was dying to get on at Scunthorpe, so it was good to get involved.

“It’s never easy to come on as a sub, but you do it enough times that hopefully you get a good warm-up and it’s just about getting up to the tempo.

“It helps if you have a good pass or a good tackle, and I had a couple of tackles as soon as I came on so that got me up to speed.

“It was just good to be part of the team that got a result.

“I just went out there and did my best. Whatever happens I will always give that.”

Easton insists Town were well worth their point at Glanford Park, after twice coming from behind to snatch a share of the spoils “I thought we did well, and I thought we merited the draw,” he said.

“We have to be happy with the point, especially after going behind twice. I don’t think we could have too many complaints about the result.

“We’ve had a few decent results on the road. It’s been quite consistent if you look at it overall.

“We were definitely confident before the game we could come away with a result.

“A few weeks ago people were talking about being near the relegation zone, but after two wins we are nowlooking at mid-table.

“You could tell from the lads in the dressing room afterwards, our confidence is growing even more.”