"If you're playing you're going to want to stay!" Pierce Bird would be happy to extend Boston United loan as he bids for game time

Pierce Bird would be happy to extend his loan stay at Boston United if it means he can get more game time.

The 21-year-old defender returned to the club on loan from National League Eastleigh last week, featuring in Saturday’s penalty shootout victory over AFC Fylde in the FA Trophy.

“If you’re playing you’re going to want to stay,” said Bird, who has returned to the club on an initial month-long loan.

“That’s all I want to do - play football - at the end of the day. We’ll have to revise it when the deadline comes.

“You can’t really complain (about not getting into the side) when you’re at a club that’s doing well (Eastleigh). They’ve only played nine games and with those games in hand they’ve got a good chance of being up there.”

Bird is no stranger to Boston, having played four times last season on loan from former club Notts County.

And he said that the opportunity to link up with Boston boss Craig Elliott and his former teammates, plus ex-County pals Terry Hawkridge, Mitch Rose, Ross Fitzsimons and Matt Tootle, made the decision to come back an simple one.

“When you come to a club and you know you have the feel of the place and know where they want to be going it makes it easier,” he added.

“It’s easier with a team like that. The boys who are here from last year and the new recruits, I know most of them so it’s easy to fit in.

“I know how they play, it’s perfect for me to come here. I know the gaffer and staff as well - a no-brainer for me.”

During his previous stint with United, Bird featured in both FA Cup matches against League One Rochdale, plus the FA Trophy defeat at Atherton Collieries, in which he broke his nose, and a 3-1 league win at Kidderminster.

He is now hoping to feature in Boxing Day’s clash against Alfreton Town at the Jakemans Community Centre (KO 3pm) and Monday’s trip to Farsley Celtic (KO 7.45pm) - even if that means a sober Christmas.

“They were big games last time and I only managed to play four times,” he added.

“Hopefully, I can play as many as possible this time.

“You’ve got to think of the bigger picture. If you want to play football at a good level you have to play Boxing Day.

“It’s a busy Christmas period so the more wins we get the more points we pick up.

“It’s important to win our upcoming league games.

“Every team wants to be up there but we really want to be up there.

“The club came close with the play-off final last season, so this year we want another go and to get one step further.”

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