Ryan's ready

By Nathan Jackson
March 22 2005

After coming on a substitute on Saturday and impressing a lot of people with his "stuck in" display, youth team striker Ollie Ryan says he's ready to make that step up permanent.

Ryan came on just minutes into the second half when Simon Yeo went down injured and Ryan went on to make a very impressive outing for the Imps and only luck and Shrews' keeper Howie stopped the Boston-born striker from scoring.

"It's unfortunate Simon picked up an injury on Saturday," Ryan told the Echo, "Gary Taylor-Fletcher is also injured and, while you would never wish an injury on anyone, I've got to be ready to take my chance if it comes along. It was a good experience to come on, especially at home. I was quite nervous the first couple of times, but once you get on the pitch it's very enjoyable.

"It is a massive step-up from reserve team football because it's a lot faster in League Two and, obviously, there's a lot more at stake. It feels like 100 miles per hour compared to reserve and youth team football. I was disappointed not to get on the scoresheet. I had a header when I thought I got a push in the back and then I had a one-on-one with their keeper - maybe I should have lifted it over him or gone round him. "But hindsight is a great thing and, hopefully, when the next chance comes along I can put it in. If one comes, the floodgates will open!"

It was Ryan's first appearance since he came off the bench against Hartlepool in the FA Cup but he now looks ready to go ahead of several other strikers in the pecking order including forgotten man Martin Carruthurs.

Ryan was also quick to praise Keith to giving 5 youth team lads a chance this season (although Mettam didn't get off the bench) "The best way to learn is by being involved with the first team because you're coming up against experienced defenders who are physically stronger. It's a great boost to know the gaffer is prepared to give us youngsters a chance."

Ryan is one of 5 y/t players to appear in the matchday squad this season with Adam Kerley, Jack Hobbs and Lee Frecklington all getting run outs as substitutes.