Connolly: I Feel Like Part of the Furniture
Monday, 5th Mar 2018 16:08

Callum Connolly is enjoying life with Town to the extent that he admits to feeling “like part of the furniture” at the club.

The 20-year-old has featured prominently during his season-long loan stint from parent club Everton and believes his all-round commitment, albeit temporary, has helped make the switch a success for both parties.

Connolly said: “I know I’m only here on loan but when you join a club on that basis you have to make the effort to integrate yourself with the other lads and become a part of things. I feel I’ve done that and I’ve settled in well here.

“I’m enjoying my football, which is always a big plus, and to be honest I feel like part of the furniture. I’ve still got a few months to go but it flies past when you are enjoying yourself.

“All the loan lads here are the same; they have made themselves a part of the club and made a big contribution, both in games and in the dressing room.”

Connolly echoes the views of his colleagues when he spoke about the decision to postpone Saturday’s scheduled home clash with struggling Hull City, not because the Portman Road pitch was unplayable but the surrounding areas represented a safety risk after several days of snow and sub-zero temperatures.

He said: “It was disappointing. We trained throughout the week, focusing on Hull — how we were going to play, how we were going to try to stop them playing and how we were going to win the game — and then it was called off.

“When you win a game like we did at Preston the previous week we were anxious to get out there and build on it. But we can’t be too frustrated and the focus now switches to Tuesday night and our bid to come away with three points from Sheffield Wednesday.

“I’m happy with how things are going. I’m playing a lot of games but I still feel I’ve got an extra step in me, or an extra gear, and I’m looking to push on between now and the end of the season.

“That’s come from within and it’s nothing the gaffer has said to me. I just feel I’ve yet to reach my full potential and my aim is to have a strong end to the season.

“It would be nice to get another goal to take my tally to four but I’m just looking at performances and helping the team as much as I can.

“At the end of the day the three points is the most important thing but I obviously want to be having good games as well.”

Connolly was previously regarded as a defender — either as a full-back or in the middle — who could do a job in midfield.

“But such has been his impact in the latter role — he has been ever-present there since the start of November — that he now regards it as his number one position.

He added: “I hope that’s my position now. I’m enjoying myself there and I’m looking to kick on and play more games there. It’s about gaining more experience as a midfielder.

“Throughout my career I’ve proved I am a versatile player but I’m in midfield at the minute and I’m enjoying it. I just need more games to continue learning the position. It’s like learning a trade and how the experience helps you.

“I really appreciate the trust the gaffer is showing in me and I want to repay him by consistently putting in good performances.

“This has been my best loan spell so far because I’ve been playing on a regular basis and we still have a few weeks to go in which I hope to step it up a level if I can. I’m looking to push the boundaries a bit.”

Town are looking to extend their unbeaten away run to five games at Hillsborough tomorrow, which is in stark contrast to their form at Portman Road, where they have only enjoyed one win in their last seven games there.

Connolly said: “I wouldn’t say it’s down to being home or away but it could be down to tactics when we’re away.

“I’m not too sure but I know the fans haven’t been too happy with the recent home performances and I understand that.

“We have to hold our hands up and admit it hasn’t been the best, so we take the criticism on the chin and look to put it right over the next few weeks.

“I think the crowd can have an impact, whether positively or negatively. If things are going well on the pitch, obviously they will be cheering and that can give you a real confidence boost.

“But if it’s not going well and you don’t hear them cheering it can obviously impact on how you play.

“To be fair, lately I’ve just been trying to block it out and make sure I focus on myself, the team and trying to pick up three points.

“Our away support is very much appreciated by everyone, the management and the players. It’s tremendous how our away fans always turn up in their numbers.

“I know from how long it took me to get down here that it’s not just around the corner. It’s a long way from anywhere and when we get on the bus to travel to an away game we know it’s going to be two hours minimum and can very often take a lot longer.

“It’s the same for the fans and Sheffield Wednesday on a Tuesday night is a long one. We appreciate their support, no doubt about that, and we will be looking to reward them.”

Photo: TWTD

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