AFC Sudbury stopper Alex Archer still has aims of making it in the professional game but insists that he is 100% focussed on doing his best for the club and helping them reach their ambitions.

The 19-year-old was part of the Peterborough United set-up for four years before being released in 2012.

After trials at SPL side Kilmarnock as well as Scunthorpe United, Cambridge City and Histon, Archer ended up for a brief spell at Needham Market before transferring to Sudbury at the start of the 2012/13 season.

A successful debut campaign which saw the youngster win the Players Player of the Year Award, quite an achievement for a goalkeeper in a side that finished in 17th place in the Ryman North, has been followed up by more impressive performances for the Suffolk-side this season.

“I’m loving it here at Sudbury,” confessed Archer.

“Things didn’t work out at Needham Market which was a little strange but I haven’t looked back since joining Sudbury.

“I’m ambitious and still have aims of getting back into the professional game but I’m fully focussed on doing my best for Sudbury and helping them reach their goals.”

Archer continued: “You never know who is watching the games but all I can do is keep playing how I’ve been playing.

“I’m still very young, especially for a goalkeeper, so if an opportunity came up then you never know.

“All the lads and the gaffer know about my ambitions anyway so they’re very understanding.”

However, Archer, who is studying a degree in Sports Coaching at Anglia Ruskin University, is more than happy at the MEL Group Stadium with David Batch’s men 10th in the league as things stand and proving a difficult team to beat.

“We’re doing very well, especially if you compare it to this time last year,” said Archer.

“We’re in a much better position than we were and have a come a long way over a short period of time.

“There have been a lot of changes and that’s worked in our favour, there are a lot of games to go but with the position we’re in, the play-offs are definitely achievable.”

Archer enjoyed a successful debut season last year and admitted that it was nice to be recognised with individual awards for his efforts at the end of season presentation night.

“It’s always nice to be rewarded for your performances and I’m just looking to keep on doing that for Sudbury,” confirmed the stopper.

“The introduction of goalkeeper coach Darren Plowman this season has brought my game on leaps and bounds.

“As a goalkeeper and inspiring coach, I think it’s essential to have someone pushing you like that.

“I know it’s not always easy regarding budgets at this level but you do need someone.”

Archer and Sudbury travel to Heybridge Swifts tomorrow looking to build on their recent good form which has seen them lose just once in their last 10 league games.

“It’ll be a tough test but if we go there and get a result it makes Tuesday’s draw with VCD Athletic look a very good one,” he concluded.