Rose sets sights on goal for Stags

The 21-year-old utility player was used in several different positions over his first season at One Call Stadium, scoring twice, and, while happy to be seen as versatile, he said: “It’s a hard one as the two better games I had in the season were at right back and several of my worst games of the season have been at right back.

“My favourite position is definitely the right of the midfield three. I recognise that in that position I’d be able to score goals.

“To the latter end of the season I was able to get myself into better positions to be able to score goals – and I want to add goals to my game next season.”

Rose added: “I was delighted to put pen to paper. I’m looking forward to the summer, ready to come back pre-season and hopefully play some more games next year.

“Overall I am pleased coming out of the season. Mostly, staying free of injury, to make 37 appearances, I never thought at the start of the year that I would go on to make as many appearances I did in a team with as much strength and depth as we had.

“It was disappointing collectively as a team not to finish in the play-offs or get promoted. But there is a lot for us to take from this year in positives and the things we could have maybe done better to help us go on next year and get automatic promotion.”

Rose knows exactly what he has to do to progress as a player next season, saying: “It’s just minor things. From an individual perspective I must not allow myself to get too comfortable in the season.

“That was through lack of experience, maybe. After Christmas maybe I did get a little bit comfortable – not intentionally. But I stepped away from a few things that had got me success throughout the season. I have got to recognise that next season.

“Hopefully I’ll be playing in the team and when I am doing well I mustn’t step away from the things that got me success.

“I sat down with the manager and he recognised it. He said this is where you need to be and this is what has to change.

“Then I was able to get back into the team and put in some performances.

“As a team collective we have strength in depth and unison, so there’s maybe only a few things we can look at to change. Then I think we’ll be ready to compete with the top sides in the league.”

After finding himself released after three years at first club Rotherham United, Rose spoke to Adam Murray who set up a two-month spell with neighbours Ilkeston for him to help him get fit at the end of last season.

“Coming out the set-up at Rotherham and having been injured for almost two seasons, I tried to find my feet, uncertain who my next club would be,” he said.

“Me and the manager agreed that it was best I went to Ilkeston, played some games just to get myself topped up with game time and fitness ready to come in pre-season. I am just grateful he gave me the opportunity and I’ve been able to reward him throughout the season.

“I have now got to kick on. Having had that time out has made me more hungry to want to play more games and step up to the next level.”

Rose is now resting up before pre-season kicks in and hoping his brother, Danny of Spurs, is confirmed in the final England squad which will see the whole family heading out to France for the European Championships.

“The last couple of days all I’ve done is sleep and eat as much as I possibly can,” he said.

“I’ve got my little boy’s second birthday coming up, so we’re just planning that.

“Once that’s out the way, I’ll wait for the England squad to be announced to see if I am heading over to France to watch the Euros with my family.

“Then it’s just getting my head down and training really hard to come back pre-season in the best condition I possibly can.”