Liam Harwood has revealed that he is more than willing to play through the pain barrier if it means helping Carshalton Athletic to Ryman Premier glory this season.

Just 24 hours after being diagnosed with an ankle ligament strain and being advised to take two week’s rest, Harwood was starring for the Robins as they saw off Bognor Regis Town 1-0 on Tuesday night.

And the central defender admits it will take something worse than that to keep him on the sidelines.

Harwood said: “I know it sounds stupid but I really want to keep playing.

“I went to the doctors on Monday and he told me to take things easy for a couple of weeks, but on Tuesday it seemed to be healing pretty quick.

“I went down to the ground early and strapped it up and had a little run around, and it didn’t feel that bad.

“Hayden was aware of it and left it entirely up to me.

“I really want to stay in the team and I want to help us keep clean sheets so if I can get out there I will.”

Harwood, who returned to Colston Avenue from Bristol Rovers last season, has struck up a smooth partnership at the back with summer signing Scott Cousins.

And the defender reckons Tuesday’s three points, courtesy of Charlie Ide’s strike, is just the start.

He added: “It has been really easy to play alongside Scott.

“He is a natural footballer and it makes it so much easier when you know you have someone next to you who knows what they are doing.

“In fact all of the new players have settled in really quickly.

“We all understand each other and the confidence is really flowing.”

Last season the Colston Avenue form proved to be the undoing of the Robins as their promotion bid fell just short.

And Harwood accepts things will have to improve this time around.

He added: “It is a big boost to get three points from our first home game.

“We have Ashford Town at home on Saturday and if we win there we will be on a roll.

“The new surface is excellent and it is perfect for our passing football.

“Having said that, I will see what it is like come December and everything starts to get muddy.

“But hopefully by then we will be in a strong position.”

Carshalton Athletic’s next three matches: Aug 22 Ashford Town (h), 25 Harrow Borough (a), 29 Aveley (a)