Alex Szostak says he is enjoying the physical challenge League One is throwing at Workington Town.

Szostak, who has just returned from a knee injury, admitted it was a tough and uncompromising division.

But he said it was his kind of rugby league as he prepared for the visit of Gloucestershire All Golds today, kick-off 3pm.

“This league is physical, lads are out to prove themselves and it is very competitive,” said the tough forward.

“There are lots of teams capable of finishing in that top four at the end of the season.

“It is proper rugby league, where you have to roll your sleeves up, so it is my kind of rugby and I’m enjoying it.”

Szostak returned in Town’s league opener against Newcastle and also featured in the win over Oxford.

He added: “It’s always a pain to be injured but in this sport it happens.

"But I have been patient this time, been smart with it, listened to advice and it feels strong.

“I know it is not 100 per cent yet but it is playable and manageable.”

And Szostak warned nobody’s shirt was guaranteed under the rule of new boss Dave Clark.

“There are a lot of new faces but there’s also a good nucleus of players from last year with experience,” he said.

“We have a new coach in Dave Clark, so it is all change for everyone but we are settling in nicely. There is a good camaraderie and a good work ethic.

“We just need to get more games under our belt now. There is still a bit of work to do but we are getting there.

“Dave is keen for lads to prove themselves in training and off the field to earn their shirt.”

Gloucestershire is not a team Szostak has encountered before but he is up for the challenge.

He said: “It’s a challenge for me, but we have video clips to watch and lads from different teams are always talking to each other, so you get a rough idea of what you are going up against.”

Workington Town 20-man squad: Chamberlain, Coward, Curwen, Davies, Doran, Dowsett, Fitzsimmons, Forber, Hambley, Howarth, Mewse, Mossop, C Phillips, B Phillips, Rooke, Scholey, Singleton, Szostak, Patrick, Lister.