Jack Powell is looking forward to using the competitiveness of the Vanarama National League to build his fitness during his loan spell at Braintree Town.

The 21-year-old made his Iron debut in the 0-0 draw with Torquay United last weekend after joining on a one-month deal from League One side Millwall following the return of Sammie Szmodics to Colchester United at the end of his loan spell.

Powell has made three appearances for Millwall this season, but said he was hoping to use his time at Braintree to battle for a place back in Lions boss Neil Harris’ side, continuing with today's trip to Tranmere Rovers.

Powell said: “It’s a busy spell coming up and for that reason, it’s a bit of a no-brainer for me to come out on loan. The loan window shut last week so for me to come here for the busy Christmas period and get some minutes in my legs is good.

“Hopefully I can help Braintree get in and among the play-offs.

“I haven’t had much game time this season so I’ve come here to get some minutes.

“Compared to playing in the under-21s at a professional club, you don’t get that competitiveness.

“There are a lot of young players involved in under-21s and it’s a little bit nice really.

“It’s a bit pretty, but it’s not so pretty out there (in the National League).

“It adds a combativeness into your game that you need.”

It is the second time that Powell has linked up with Braintree manager Danny Cowley after playing under him on a loan spell at the Iron boss’ previous club, Concord Rangers, last year and he enjoys the freedom that he is given to play.

Powell added: “It’s not complete freedom because we’re a hard-working team and all 11 players are all needed in the game.

“But there is a bit of freedom behind the front man to slide some balls in behind, get on the half-turn and make some things happen in and around the box really.

“Also to get on the ball when I can.

“I think I’ll fit in quite nicely with the midfield players that we have here.

“There are players who can handle the ball well similar to me and hopefully we’ll get some joy from that.”

Cowley also thinks Powell will be a positive addition over the busy Christmas period.

He said: “Jack is a really good signing for us. I have to thank Millwall because they have done us a massive favour.

“Particularly financially because they have let us have him for next to nothing so we’re really pleased for that.

“We have a good relationship with Neil Harris at Millwall.

“We had Jack for three months at Concord so we know what he can do for us. He just needs game time.

“I thought he was excellent early on in the game, his link-up play was excellent and he put in a very good cross where we hit the post.

“He will get stronger and stronger and better and better with games.

“We obviously lost Sammie (Szmodics), which was a big disappointment, but we have Jack through to January so we’ll have him over the busy (Christmas) period.”