Tom talks to the press about the recent run and keeping clean sheets
Bristol Rovers picked up three valuable points on the road last weekend and Tom Parkes tells us that playing in difficult conditions at Gateshead was a real challenge."We knew as a team that going up to Gateshead would be tough because they gave us a really good game at the Mem so we knew going into the game what they were all about.
"I think that we really dug in and thought we did well and came away with all three points which is really pleasing.
The defensive shut out against Gateshead was Rovers 18th clean sheet of the season and Parkes is pleased with the way that the whole team is defending.
"As a whole team we have been so strong in defence and when we have to we can defend and catch teams on the break.
"When we go forward we look good and look like we are going to score goals and that is what we have been doing.
"You can look at the run we are on at the minute and it shows you how far we have come since the start of the season because now as a team we know we need to stay fully focused throughout the game and on Saturday we did that after we went 0-1 up we stayed strong and made it really difficult for them to break us down.
Off the field, Tom has improved drastically following a chat with Darrell Clarke at the end of last season and he is now seeing the benefits on the pitch.
"I feel so much better in myself and I hope that people are noticing that I have changed and I am happy to be here and I want to get this team back into the football league where it belongs.
"I'm glad the manager did what he did, I prefer being told the truth and he spoke to me and I took it on board and I went away over the summer and really worked on myself and hopefully it is all paying off now.
"I had a good think about everything and set myself a target and I wanted to prove everyone who doubted me wrong and prove that I am worthy of wearing a Bristol Rovers shirt.
Tom's improvements on the field have lead to International recognition and Parkes has now represented England C on two occasions this season which Tom has said is a great boost to him.
"It is brilliant for me and Lee [Brown] as well but for me personally playing for England is a massive achievement and it gives me that little bit extra confidence when I step out onto the pitch.