Pompey loanee plots path to calmer waters

Connor Ronan is in uncharted territory.
Connor Ronan. Picture: Joe PeplerConnor Ronan. Picture: Joe Pepler
Connor Ronan. Picture: Joe Pepler

The Wolves loanee has needed to guide himself through some stormy weather since arriving at Pompey in January.

But the promising midfielder is now hopeful he can plot a course to calmer end-of-season waters for both himself and his current club.

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The 20-year-old is currently undertaking his first loan spell in football, after agreeing a January stay at Fratton Park until the end of the campaign. It’s been a new experience for the promising Republic of Ireland under-21 international to become accustomed to.

Ronan has made a favourable impression with supporters but admitted the move has come with a period of adjustment for him. Now, though, he is settled in his new environment and ready to break new ground over the remainder of the season.

Ronan said: ‘This is my first loan move.

‘I’ve been in and out of the Wolves team but I’ve never had a run in a team where if I’m not starting I’ve felt I’d be coming on. I haven’t really had that, so it was a case of adapting to that at first and getting fully fit.

‘Now I’m fit I think I’m just looking forward to a run in the team and trying to show what I can do.

‘I want to help the team out as well, though.

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‘Not starting every game has helped with the adjustment, as much as I would like to start every game.

‘Being on the bench now and again has helped.

‘I’m not a player who’s been playing every week, so when I came I needed to build my fitness up first to get a run in the team.

‘But now I feel I can contribute every week.’

Ronan’s Pompey stay has returned five starts and five appearances off the bench ahead of the meeting of Oldham.

That’s something the Republic of Ireland under-21 international is pleased with after making 13 Wolves appearances and three under-21 outings in the Checkatrade Trophy.

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Ronan said: ‘It’s what I came here to do. I came here to play football and that’s what I’ve done.

‘I’ve got those games in, a few starts and a few games off the bench.

‘For me, in my mind, I want to start as many games as possible now.

‘It is a positive for me but I want to start winning games now and help the team out.’

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Ronan’s first playing experience of League One has also been an education for the slightly-built talent.

It’s something he feels he’s adapted to well enough.

‘I’ve watched a lot of League One and League Two football with being a Rochdale fan,’ he added.

‘It’s not the same as playing it but you know it’s going to be a physical game.

‘The standard’s there as well and quality of football is there.

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‘So it’s just a case of trying to find that balance between physicality and quality.

‘I think I’ve coped with that okay. I feel it’s just a case of bettering myself now and getting better with every game and performance.’