DESPITE the disappointment of defeat at Lincoln, Macclesfield defender Dan Cowan is staying positive about the future, both for himself and his club.

The youth team product had a couple of outings late last season and made his first start of this term on Saturday.

It may not have been a vintage performance from the Silkmen, but he’s in no doubt that they’re going the right way.

“That’s only lost two in 12 that we’ve lost, we’re still up there and fighting for the play-offs so hopefully we can get a few more results," he said after Macc's 2-0 defeat to Gary Simpson's Imps.

"This is an important part of the season, we can either lose our heads or we can push on from this point, it’s down to the mindset of the players, but I’m sure we can come through the next week with some points.”

Cowan first came to Macc as a 14-year-old, progressing through the centre of excellence and his ability to play anywhere across the back four will surely make him an invaluable asset as the season draws on.

And Cowan’s adamant that in John Askey, he’s got the gaffer best equipped to nurture him in the early stages of his career.

“John has helped me a lot through the youths and feeding me into the first team, and I’ve felt comfortable in the squad, the lads have really helped me too. We’re a tight group, a close set, everyone’s supporting each other and it’s a nice place to be at.

“I feel comfortable that I’m in good hands with him, I’ve known him since I started at the club when I was 14 so I’ve seen him around the centre of excellence. He knows my game and that helps.

“I’m pleased with my progress, I was thrown in there against Lincoln after we had a couple of injuries but I was pleased to be starting, it was a huge step for me and my career.

“The gaffer knows that if he needs me I can fill in for him, wherever he wants me to play, I’ll play wherever I’m needed.”