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After a clutch of eye-catching displays on the fringes of Exeter City's first team, right wing-back Jake Thomson believes being with the Grecians is helping him finally achieve his potential.

The 21-year-old drew words of praise from Plymouth Argyle manager Peter Reid on Tuesday after an impressive display for City's reserve team at Home Park. Grecians player-coach Rob Edwards was also keen to laud the efforts of the former Southampton man after the 2-0 defeat.

Thomson's latest electric showing comes on the back of his maiden start for the St James's Park side's first team against Hereford United in the Johnstone's Paint Trophy last Tuesday.

And the pacy wideman, who made two appearances for Trinidad & Tobago in their 2010 World Cup qualifiers, says working under boss Paul Tisdale has given him a new lease of life.

"I feel like I'm getting back to where I was a couple of years ago," said Thomson. "I think I've been mismanaged as a player.

"A lot of managers that I've had didn't really know how to deal with me, but I'm really enjoying my football at Exeter.

"Paul Tisdale has spoken to me and pointed out areas where I can improve. I feel like I've been playing well and a lot of that is down to the coaching, but I still think there's a lot of room for improvement.

"I want to play but obviously it's difficult at the moment. Steve Tully's in front of me and he's playing so well. It's just a waiting game.

"You never want anyone in the team to do badly. If they keep performing how they're performing, then it's great for everyone involved."

With high-flying Carlisle up next for City on Saturday, Thomson admits that every game is tough at the moment.

But he insists that, with a bit more consistency on the road, the club should be aiming for a top-six spot come May.

And he thinks that goal is achievable due to the side's unique togetherness.

"I just think if we can get a little bit more consistency in our away games we will be right up there come the end of the season," Thomson said.

"As players we've got to be aiming as high as we can – and that's got to be at least the play-offs."

He added: "Everyone is working for each other and it seems like much more of a family here than I have experienced before.

"It's so much easier playing for a team like that because you are able to enjoy your football – and we're all enjoying it at the moment."