DISCOVERING consistency is always a key requirement for any aspiring young professional footballer.
Aaron Donnelly is no exception, which is why the Colchester United loanee’s recent reliable performances have been particularly encouraging.
The 21-year-old defender has started the U’s last five games and has been showing the kind of form that shows just why he is highly regarded at his parent club, Nottingham Forest.
“When I came in, it was a bit difficult, because there were a few international breaks in between and I was kind of just finding my way into the team,” said Donnelly, who has so far made 11 appearances for Colchester since joining them on a season-long loan, in August.
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“I think now that I’ve got a bit of consistency and a couple of relationships in the team around me, it’s now about kicking on and keep producing every Saturday and showing the manager and players and of course, the fans what I can do.
“I think now, it’s just about cementing my place in the team.
“My consistency is something that I’ve really tried to work on, this year.
“Previously, I’ve been up and down maybe, two good games, then three bad games but I think now it’s really important for me to show a consistency in everything I do and make sure I’m the first name on the teamsheet.
“I enjoyed both of my loans at Port Vale and Dundee and I’m enjoying this one, too.
“This loan brings another challenge in itself - League Two is very direct, with big, physical teams.
“It’s something that I haven’t really been used to but it’s something that I’m really adapting to and that I need to bring into my game, as well.
“I think this will be a really good challenge for me.
“While I’m here, I want to get first-team football under my belt, get men’s football.
“I’ve been out on loan for two seasons now and now it’s really time to kick on and show people why I can play at this level full-time.
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“It isn’t the start to the season that we wanted but I think now with a bit of momentum behind us, it’s really time to kick on as a group, both players and staff and we’re really looking forward to the challenge ahead.”
Donnelly has plenty of competition for a starting spot at Colchester, with the likes of club captain Tom Flanagan, Ben Goodliffe and Fiacre Kelleher also battling for a place in Danny Cowley’s defence.
“Everyone’s been great and we’ve a lot of experienced defenders,” said the Northern Ireland international.
“Flans has made over 20 appearances for Northern Ireland, so it’s something you can always relate to.
“You’ve also got the likes of Goody and Ellis (Iandolo) and Kells, who’s been around this club for a long time.
“Having the Forest boys and the Northern Irish boys all together really helps and gives you someone to bounce off, especially away from football as well.
“I just try and learn off everyone and everyone has got something different to learn me and teach me every day, in training and in playing.”
Donnelly is hoping to retain his place in Colchester’s starting line-up for their home clash with Bradford City tomorrow.
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The U’s are hoping to build on their recent form which has seen them beat Arsenal under-21s 3-0 in the Bristol Street Motors Trophy in midweek and score a stoppage-time equaliser to draw at Barrow, last weekend.
Donnelly added: “Everyone’s buzzing at the minute on the training ground and you can see it’s really competitive and with the boys coming back from injury as well, it’s pushing the boys who are playing.
“It was a really good point away at Barrow and we backed it up on Tuesday, against Arsenal under-21s.
“We’ll bring that into the game on Saturday and hopefully, get another productive result on the board.
“We looked really solid at the back, on Tuesday night.
“The defending behind the ball was excellent and it’s something that we need to bring into Saturday because we know that Bradford will be a big threat up top, so we’ll be looking to hopefully keep another clean sheet.
“Every game in League Two is a challenge.
“Every team brings a different challenge, whether you’re home or away.
“Bradford will be a big, physical team and we’re really prepared for it and really looking forward to it.”
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