The Blues’ goalkeeper topped a fans’ vote to win the Bowland Brewery-sponsored prize for September following an impressive start to his Shawbridge career.

And the former Burnley youngster – who joined the Blues in the summer – is determined to build on it to help Phil Brown's men keep climbing the league table.

“It was nice to get it. It came down to a vote and was very tight. It’s always nice to get awards of any sort, so it’s been a good start to the season," said King.

“I’ve loved it at Clitheroe. It’s playing football. That’s all I wanted to do and I’ve had the chance to do that week-in, week-out.

“You can’t beat playing so I’ve really enjoyed it so far.

“We had quite a good start in terms of a few games unbeaten and then we had a bit of a sticky patch.

“There have been quite a few changes and I think we’re starting to settle down now as a team, especially last Saturday when I think you could see real signs of progress.

“Having six of the next seven at home is going to be a big factor and I think everything is starting to fall into place nicely. I think we are getting a nice little rhythm to us."

King - who was capped by England at Under-16 level before being released by Burnley at the end of his youth-team contract - kept a clean sheet as the Blues beat Kendal Town 2-0 last Saturday to climb to seventh in the BetVictor North-West Division.

Brown's side is just a point outside the play-off places.

And although a number of clubs around them in the table have games in hand, King is encouraged by the Blues' position as they prepare to take on Ramsbottom United in a Lancashire derby on Saturday.

The Rams won the reverse encounter 2-0 last month and are just two points behind Clitheroe, having played four fewer games.

But the Blues have hit form since their defeat at the Riverside Stadium with three successive league wins in behind them.

And after hitting form at Shawbridge this season - with the backing of some superb attendances - King is aiming to keep the good run going.

“Whether you’ve played more or less games, I think it’s always good to have the points on the board because teams have got to catch us," added the 20-year-old, who combines his playing duties with coaching some of the young keepers in Burnley's Academy.

“They might have games in hand, but we are constantly striving to get more points on the board and other teams will be hopefully thinking ‘they’ve won again’.

“It’s a nice little run in the league so far and hopefully we can carry that on.

“It’s totally night and day from what it was like last season.

“That’s one of the things the gaffer really wanted us to do, especially in the home games, to give the fans something to be proud of.

“We might not win every game but as long as we’re leaving everything out on the pitch, I don’t think you can ask any more.”