Andy Welsh on the Scunthorpe game
Wide man Andy Welsh marked his first start of the season with a more than competent display as he helped his side to a 1-1 draw in a hard-fought game against Scunthorpe.
“It’s been a long time since I’ve played but I’ve been raring to go all season,” he said.
“I only found out I was playing the day before the game and just I’m delighted to be back and involved. I got tired towards the end but it was very nice to be out there.”
And on his return to action, he added: “I remember the first time I walked through the door I was thankful to God, and that’s where I got my strength from. It’s my belief and trust in God that helps me to believe things will turn round, and hopefully I can stay in the team and carry on for the rest of the season. Obviously we have to wait and see with that.”
“It’s the worst thing in the world when Saturday comes and you think that you might not even get off the bench,” he admitted. “That isn’t a nice feeling for anybody.
“But I had to train myself to think I was going to be playing and that’s why I kept warming up on the touchline and running after games, so that when my time did come I wouldn't have to be substituted after 60 minutes.
“I stayed on for 90 minutes, although I was tired in the last 10 minutes or so, but I think I put in a good shift. I was a bit rusty in areas but I can't be too harsh on myself as that's my first start of the season, and we’re into January now.”
“It's always important to get a good couple of touches in the first few minutes, and that happened with me and Matt Robson,” he said. “We had a chat about how we were going to play because he likes to bomb on, whereas I like to cut back inside and then go on the outside again. We had the link-up from last season anyway, so we know how each other works and that does help.”
“I had a couple of half chances but they didn’t quite go for me,” he said. “I actually scored from outside the box with a right foot shot when we played Rangers recently. I tried my luck like that with a couple and it comes down to the old cliché that if you don’t shoot then you don’t score.
“It was a tight game and we obviously wanted to come out of it with the win. We’ve crumbled and not come back from it when we’ve gone behind at times during the first half of the season, but we stayed strong in this one.
“I don’t think confidence has ever really taken a dip anyway but it is important not to lose at home. Just getting back playing again is going to give me confidence and belief that I can come in and play when asked. It's great to get the nod and help the team out.”
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