TEENAGE striker Sam Cosgrove is determined to show Bluebirds fans what he is all about as he steps up his bid to earn his second professional deal at League One Wigan Athletic.

The 18-year-old has joined Barrow on a one-month youth loan deal. He made his first AFC start in Saturday’s 2-1 defeat at Cheltenham, having previously arrived from the substitutes’ bench in last week’s 1-1 home draw with Guiseley.

Having got into some decent attacking areas at Cheltenham, where he was up against the likes of seasoned centre-half and ex-Bluebirds trialist Daniel Parslow, he produced a solid display at Whaddon Road.

But Cosgrove’s place will come under serious threat if, as expected, fellow attackers Andy Cook and Ashley Grimes are passed fit for Saturday’s National League home clash against Southport, the duo having been sidelined with a knee injury and tonsillitis respectively.

Cook has carried out some work this week and it was hoped that he would resume full training today. If his knee suffers no adverse reaction, he will be available for Southport, while Grimes has already returned to full training.

Reflecting on his tough Cheltenham assignment, Cosgrove said: “It was a hard game right from the off. Cheltenham are a good side, but we got a few chances and we were a bit unlucky not to score a couple of goals. It was a great experience overall.

“I want to get good first-team experience. I was disappointed with Saturday’s result. At the moment, I just want to get as many minutes as I can get playing for Barrow.”

With Barrow approaching a bank holiday weekend that will see them take on winless duo Southport and Halifax, the confident youngster believes he can eventually show his true worth.

“It was tough being up against Chetlenham, they were really strong at the back,” added Cosgrove.

“I’m only just starting to learn about the lads’ strengths and weaknesses so there’s hopefully a lot more to come, hopefully against opposition that are a bit easier than Cheltenham, because they were a good side.”

Cosgrove, who hails from Knutsford, may be powerfully built but he does not see himself as just a target man, rather as a forward who also likes to play on-the-ground football as well. He expects to greatly benefit from training and playing alongside experienced attacking operators in Cook, Grimes and Jason Walker.

But, while he fully respects his team-mates, he is seeking to make his own presence felt.

“That’s the exact reason I’ve come here (to play games),” said Cosgrove. “I can stay at Wigan and get time on the bench and not play football. I’m here to make a difference for Barrow and for myself.”

Cosgrove was part of Everton’s junior set-up from under-10s level up until the age of 16. After being released by the Toffees, he joined Wigan and was a Latics academy scholar for two years before he signed his first professional deal – a one-year contract – during the summer.

He has made an impact in youth and reserves sides and appeared on Wigan’s first-team bench on five occasions last season, but did not make it on to the pitch.

His ultimate aim this season is to persuade Wigan into offering him a new deal, and impressing at Holker Street will boost his cause.

“I’ve got to show what Wigan what I am about,” added Cosgrove.

“I can’t just do it back there for the under-21s and the reserves. I’ve got to show what I can do against quality and experienced players.

“Dropping down a couple of leagues will hopefully give me that opportunity.”

At this stage it seems likely that Dan Pilkington will remain sidelined with a groin injury this weekend, while fellow injured winger Dave Symington (hamstring) is also a doubt.