SHAUN McAuley is relishing the free role given to him by Frank Gray – and he is hoping to reward his manager with goals.

The 24-year-old spent much of his career playing on the right wing before coming to The Camrose, where he has been given a more central, creative role by Town boss Gray.

It is McAuley’s job to provide a link between midfield and Basingstoke’s dangerous front three, who he is also expected to support by getting into the penalty area.

It’s not an easy job – but McAuley, pictured right, is enjoying it and, having opened his account for the club by scoring the winner against Dartford, he is keen to weigh in with a few goals.

“I have played on the right wing for most of my career but this role gives me a bit more freedom and I’m really enjoying it,” McAuley said. “It’s a great position for me because I love getting on the ball.

“We look like we have goals in the team. Delano’s pace causes teams problems, Sills has that experience you need and David Pratt is always a threat. I love playing with those three.

“It was good to get that first goal and hopefully I will go on and get a few more. My aim before the season was to get into double figures but we will see.”

McAuley joined Basingstoke after leaving Hampshire rivals Eastleigh in the summer, having previously played for Hayes and Hampton and Richmond Borough.

He has plenty of experience of the Blue Square South play-offs, having reached them twice with Hampton – and feels that the current Town squad has the quality required to finish in the top five.

“We need to stay consistent but the squad is definitely capable of reaching the play-offs,” McAuley added. “We just have to keep working hard and we will get there.

“There is a lot of quality in the squad and I have real respect for the gaffer and Gerry. We just need to go on and start picking up a few more points.

“It was a great point for us at Dover on Saturday. Last year the lads came here and were beaten 3-0 so you can see how far we have come.”