TORONTO — The latest addition to Toronto FC says he’s ready to contribute if he gets the call Saturday against Columbus.

Richard Eckersley, who began his career under the tutelage of Sir Alex Ferguson at Manchester United, arrived from the UK last Friday to begin a eight-month loan stint with the Reds.

“If called upon, I’m ready to play,” he said following his first training session. "I know what to do. If [head coach Aron Winter] decides to play me, I’m ready to play."

[inline_node:334373]Eckersley was targeted to fill a badly needed hole at fullback, where the Reds have struggled to find a consistent starter thus far in 2011. He played under TFC director of player development Paul Mariner while at Plymouth Argyle.

According to Mariner, one of Eckersley’s greatest strengths is his versatility at the back.

“He’s got two good feet, he can actually play right back and left back,” Mariner said.

However, he added that the player would likely be slotted in at “his best” position of right back. He also plays the exact type of game that TFC are trying to play.

“He was brought up with Sir Alex at Manchester United and he plays just the way that Aron and Bob [de Klerk, assistant coach] want to play ... building up from the back,” Mariner said.

As for Eckersley himself, he says that he doesn’t much care where he plays on the pitch.

“I’ll play anywhere as long as I’m playing football,” he said.

Winter’s policy is to not inform players of the starting lineup until just prior to game time, so Eckersley says he’s not sure whether he’ll feature against the Crew. However, he’s eager to make an impression and, despite only having played sporadically since August, feels he is ready to contribute.

“You don’t even know how match fit you are until you play in games – that’s where you get your match fitness,” he said. “In training you get a certain amount of fitness, but it’s really on the pitch when you’re playing 11-v-11 where you get your real match fitness.”

Eckersley was in Toronto in time to see last week’s embarrassing 3-0 loss to D.C. United. However, he says that didn’t discourage him.

“There is a great atmosphere around the changing room,” he said. “There is a great team spirit – I can tell that. Hopefully we can put a few wins together and keep going.”