ROOKIE midfielder Jamie McDonnell believes his loan stint at Colchester United is 'massively' helping his development.
The 20-year-old was borrowed from Nottingham Forest on a season-long loan at the end of August and had to overcome an ankle injury before he could stake a claim for a place in the U's line-up.
But the Northern Irishman has gradually become an integral part of Danny and Nicky Cowley's side and bagging a last-gasp injury-time equaliser against Bradford last month didn't do his popularity with the fans any harm at all.
"I'm absolutely loving it," he told The FLP. "You're challenging yourself a lot more than in academy football.
That's more about development and sharpening your skills.
"This is a great step up and I'm enjoying the differenc es on and off the pitch. The schedule is so crammed with two games a week. It's about recovery, eating properly and the whole thing has helped me massively."
Denne historien er fra December 08, 2024-utgaven av The Football League Paper.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent ? Logg på
Denne historien er fra December 08, 2024-utgaven av The Football League Paper.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
RAVENS FLY TO STORMY SUCCESS
ANDY Woodman admitted Bromley's win over Accrington is a game his victorious side 'will never watch back again'.
U'S TAME THE A FAST START
GARETH Ainsworth was dismayed with Shrewsbury's defending as his side were beaten by a rampant Cambridge, in a game which included a goal in the first minute of both halves.
SUPER BLUES' JAY AT DOUBLE
JAY STANSFIELD bagged the plaudits for Birmingham with a brace as they hit back to beat ten-man Barnsley in front of 5,000 travelling fans at Oakwell.
MATT'S ODE TO JOY FOR DETERMINED CHAIRBOYS
Royals in recovery with boss departed
IT JUST EXPLODED OUT OF NOWHERE - IT WAS WILD!
SHEFFIELD United v West Brom? For fans of a certain vintage, it's a fixture that can only conjure one memory.
ROHL RAGES WITH HIS SLOPPY OWLS
DANNY Rohl ripped into his Sheffield Wednesday side after they were held at home by Preston.
ACE KEEPER KAMINSKI IS THE BIG DIFFERENCE
LUKE Williams insisted that his Swansea City side could well have left with all three points after being denied victory by home keeper Thomas Kaminski.
Kolli is Marti's new Ray of sunshine
PROUD QPR boss Marti Cifuentes is hoping Rayan Kolli's maiden senior goals prove to be \"the first of many\" after the youngster played a starring role in the victory over Norwich.
FIRST WIN FOR FRANK AS LIONS ARE TAMED
COVENTRY head coach Frank Lampard felt his players took the game by the scruff of the neck after half-time the Sky Blues.
EUSTACE SALUTES BATTLING ROVERS
But a lot to ponder for Selles
