Keenan Gough might have only joined Bristol Rovers in the summer transfer window, but he already knows The Memorial Stadium can be a fortress.
The midfielder started the Gas' first two matches of the Sky Bet League Two season before missing five squads through injury. However, he is back in contention for a starting spot, watching on from the bench against Exeter City before coming on as a substitute versus Crewe Alexandra last Saturday.
Rovers are back at home this weekend and face Barnet, who have won four and drawn three of their seven games, missing the previous fourth-tier matchdays due to international call-ups. They will be a tough test for the Gas, but Gough knows his team can use The Mem to their advantage.
Steve Evans' men have won a club-record 11 straight home games and have the league record in their sights. Speaking to the media before the fixture, Gough reflected on his time at Rovers, his spell on the sidelines and why the home form has been so strong.
ENJOYING LIFE AT ROVERS
"It has been really good. Obviously, it was a bit unfortunate with the injury, but I have definitely enjoyed being out there so far, and the fans have been great.
"I spent pre-season with Charlton, and I wanted to get a gauge of what the picture could look like, but I knew this season for me was about playing games and playing men's football. When Bristol Rovers popped up, and I had a look at that, I thought it could be a great opportunity for me, and it has been so far, and I know it will be."
OUT WITH INJURY
"It was a hamstring injury. It wasn't minor, but it wasn't massive. Any injury is frustrating. It wasn't great, but I am back now, and I'm ready to go. So, it's exciting.
"I think because I have been out for four weeks or so, you don't want to be chucked in straight away. I think it's gradually getting back into the team, and also, you've got to earn your shirt. You can't just expect to walk back in.
"When I was a bit younger, I had a few injuries, but in men's football, this is the first one, and it is really frustrating, especially when you're sitting on the side during a matchday, but it's part of the game."
LOOKING TO START AFTER BEING ON THE BENCH
"Of course, everyone wants to start, but if you're on the bench, all you can do is come on and do a positive performance, so that's what I try to do."
AWAY FORM
"I don't want to look into it too much because once you start talking about it too much, it can become a thing. When we're at The Mem, the fans are behind us, the atmosphere is great, and people don't want to come and play against us there. Hopefully, the away form can pick up again."
BARNET PREVIEW
"Of course it's going to be tough. Like any game, it's tough, but it's about us on the weekend. So, we'll do what we can."
HIS TIME AT CHARLTON
"I joined Charlton's academy at under-nines and made my way up, and made my debut for them last year. I started against Norwich on Boxing Day; that was my starting debut. It's been a long journey, but it's been great. It's a great club, great academy, and there is a great progression into the first team there as well."
FIRST PRO DEAL
"It was a big moment for my family and me, but that's just the start. Especially the first professional contract; it doesn't mean you're in the first team. So, that's where the real work starts."
