Josh Goodall is convinced his stop-start career is finally in gear and is determined to prove his point in the Wimbledon Main Draw next week.

Having been granted a wild card courtesy of his world ranking of 201, the 23-year-old will be looking to advance to the second round for the first time, having bowed out at the opening stage in 2005, 2006 and 2007.

And Goodall, who has represented Sutton in the National Challenge League for the past two seasons, is eager to put his woes behind him.

He said: “As far as I am concerned I am definitely on the up.

“I am not a regular main event player and when I get the chance I really need to make my mark.

“I have had a bit of an up and down career but now I feel like I am finally moving in the right direction.

“Obviously a lot of it is down to the luck of the draw but at Wimbledon you have the benefit of it being a five-set game.

“It gives you the chance to work into a game even if you get off to a bad start and I would like to think that whoever I draw I will give them a good game.”

The Basingstoke-born player admits he aims to break the top 100 by the end of the year.

And Goodall reckons turning out for Sutton is the perfect boost for his career hopes.

He added: “I joined Sutton because they are the local club for my coach Nick Weal and it was a good move.

“It is a really nice club - it may be a small place but it has a really good atmosphere.

“I really enjoy playing tennis there - it makes the game fun and really makes me want to kick on.”