PAUL Stonehouse has hailed Forest Green Rovers manager Jim Harvey as the biggest influence on his career to date.

Stonehouse has become a permanent fixture at left-back for Rovers this season, and completed 100 games for the club against Lewes last Saturday.

The 21-year-old, who was born in Germany, came up through the youth ranks, and has been in impressive form.

“When I started out in the youth team I didn’t think I would ever get to 100 games,” said Stonehouse.

“It’s great to reach that landmark.

“Under previous managers I didn’t get many opportunities and went out on loanto Cinderford and Gloucester.

“I thought I would end up leaving but the gaffer has given me a chance and I have started to kick on now.

“He is the biggest influence I have had in my career so far, as he has given me this chance and converted me into a left-back.”

Stonehouse has some tough acts to follow in that role, with the last two incumbents, Anthony Tonkin and Kevin Nicholson, quickly becoming fans favourites before leaving for Cambridge and Torquay respectively.

“When I first came to the club, Damon Searle was the left-back so there is a good history of left-backs at the club,” said Stonehouse.

“But I have played every game bar one this season, and at the start of the season I had only played there a few times.

“I seem to have grown into it and now I have marked it down as my best position.”

Stonehouse was happy with Saturday’s 4-1 win over Lewes, despite the early shock when Joe Keehan fired the relegated Sussex side ahead.

“They caught us cold at the start but we woke up, and knew we had to concentrate fully to get the points,” he said.

“We could have had more, but the important thing is the three points.

“Everyone was desperate to get on the scoresheet, especially when they went down to nine men - everyone smelt blood then and wanted a piece of the action.”