Bartra: I need regular playing time at Barcelona

Jan 11, 2013 2:17:00 PM

The defender has mainly been warming the bench this season, but is determined to prove his worth on the training pitch in a bid to get more first team action

Barcelona youngster Marc Bartra has stressed that he needs regular playing time in order to aid his development.

The defender started from the bench in Thursday's 5-0 Copa del Rey win over Cordoba, but was introduced at half-time in place of Carles Puyol, and he is determined to prove his worth in training in order to get more first team opportunities.

"It’s important for me to get some playing time so that I can feel comfortable on the pitch at the stadium. We have a lot of games coming up and it’s important that the whole team is prepared," Bartra was quoted as saying on the official Barcelona website.

"We’re fighting for all of the titles and that means we have more games to play. I have to continue training hard in order to get more chances to play."

The 21-year-old has made eight official appearances for Barca so far this term.