NEWPORT’S Ellis Harrison wants to shake off the super sub tag and establish himself in the Bristol Rovers starting XI after starring for Wales under-21s in midweek.

The 21-year-old forward has earned a reputation as a game-changer after coming off the bench to great effect for Rovers in their Conference promotion battle in recent months.

Harrison came on to rescue a point with a last minute leveller at Halifax on March 14 having scored the winner as a substitute at Gateshead and at home to Braintree Town in February.

He also scored off the bench in a 2-2 draw at Dartford in January but he admits he would rather be in the starting XI, something he hasn’t done for Rovers since March 7.

Harrison revealed his frustrations after playing a key role in the 3-1 victory for Wales under-21s against Bulgaria in Cardiff on Tuesday night.

“It was good to get the three points and it was great to get a start for my country because I haven’t been getting starts at Bristol Rovers,” he told the Argus.

“Starting is a massive bonus for me and I felt I did OK before I came off with cramp. It was hard work!

“Everyone wants to start games so it has been frustrating but if I’m not starting then I’ve got to be coming off the bench and scoring goals.”

With five matches remaining the Pirates are locked in a thrilling three-way battle for the Conference title with Barnet and Grimsby Town, who feature former Newport County AFC stars Christian Jolley and Paul Bignot in their ranks.

Rovers host Chester tomorrow afternoon knowing that one slip could put them out of the running for the sole automatic promotion spot and condemn them to the play-offs.

And if they do end up finishing second, third, fourth or fifth they could face a play-off derby clash with local rivals Forest Green Rovers and former County skipper David Pipe.

“There is pressure with a promotion challenge and it can be nerve-wracking,” said Harrison, who was part of the Rovers squad relegated from League Two last season.

“But I’ve had relegation fights before and this pressure is a lot better than that.

“The boys have done well all year and to get up now would be huge for the club and a good reward for all that hard work.

“The cream always rises to the top so hopefully we can do it but it’s going to be hard.

“I’ve got another year on my contract at Rovers and I’m very happy to stay,” he added.

“It’s a big club and I hope we can win promotion this year. We deserve to be back in the Football League.”