WHEN YOUR FIRST six months in the English Football League have witnessed your manager compare you to Michael Carrick and your chairman label you “priceless” and the best player he’s ever signed, you must be doing something right.

Chris Forrester appears to have settled in remarkably well at Peterborough United since arriving from St Patrick’s Athletic for an undisclosed fee back in August.

Anyone who saw the Dubliner play in the League of Ireland would have had no doubts that he possessed the technical ability to succeed at a higher level, but even by his own admission, it has taken no time at all to make such a big impact.

“It has gone a lot better than I expected it to”, the 23-year-old told The42 this week.

“When I first got here I thought I’d be a fringe player trying to break into the team but I’ve come in and started straight away.

“I’ve progressed since I’ve been here and I’ve been one of the main lads in the team so it has gone very well.”

Before making the switch, homesickness had been a worry and although he admits that Christmas away from his 18-month old daughter was tough, Forrester has adapted well to his new life.

Being part of a young squad who have similar interests has helped, as has the fact that he’s enjoying his football.

A matter of weeks into the move, manager Dave Robertson (who has since gone on to take over at Sligo Rovers) was sacked by the club and replaced by Graham Westley.

Initially uncertain about whether he would feature in the new boss’ plans, his fears were soon allayed.

“I was in two weeks and Dave was gone,” said Forrester. “But he welcomed me with open arms and gave me my chance by playing me so I’d be grateful to him and I wish him well at Sligo. Just once they’re not ahead of Pat’s!

“I was a bit nervous when we changed managers so soon after me coming in because I was thinking ‘where does this leave me?’ but as soon as he came in he put a bit of faith in me and I think I’ve repaid him.

Hopefully I can continue to repay him right up to the end of the season and we push for promotion.”

Forrester has virtually been an ever-present in the Posh team with 27 appearances already under his belt as they have put together a challenge for the play-offs with the main objective a return to the Championship.

“It’s pretty tight around that area and we’re only two points off so we’ll fight until the end and I think we have enough to push us over the line and get into the play-offs.”

Forrester during his days with the Saints. Source: Ryan Byrne/INPHO

In terms of his own role in the team, the former Pat’s and Bohemians man has had to adjust his game to play in a deep-lying midfield position that he wasn’t overly-familiar with.

“It’s the CDM (central defensive midfield) role, at the base of the diamond,” he explains. “I’ve had to adapt to it but it’s been enjoyable playing in there and getting the ball rolling for the team.

“I probably haven’t chipped in with enough goals in my opinion (two) but I’m enjoying playing in that position and it’s has gone okay.

“It’s a lot more defensive-minded but I’m the one who is getting the ball early to start the game so you can see it both ways and I’m given responsibilities.”

On the personal recognition he has received, Forrester adds: “It’s nice when people like that say things about me as it gives you a bit of a confidence boost and a pep in your step.

I’m here to keep improving, raise expectations even more and not be happy with what people are saying.”

This afternoon, Forrester and his Peterborough team-mates face top flight opposition in the shape of West Brom at The Hawthorns and he is relishing the opportunity.

“As soon as I saw the draw and it was a Premier League team I was delighted because we get the chance to go to a Premier League stadium and play in front of a massive crowd and test ourselves against players who are playing at the highest level in England.

“It will be a good challenge for us but we are up for it and hopefully we can get through and give a good account of ourselves.

“Going far in the FA Cup would be a major achievement but we’re not that far off. We’re only four games away and anything can happen. We have a big squad so it wouldn’t be too much of a hassle.”