Wolves' Connor Ronan says of Blackpool stint: League One made me a better player and I could be back

The midfielder, 22, made 10 appearances for the Seasiders, having joined during the January window. His time at Bloomfield Road was cut short but the Republic of Ireland Under-21 player left a lasting impression.

Ronan, who had previously featured for Portsmouth and Walsall in the third tier, believes his experiences at that level have made him a better player.

“I’d come into the best bit of form in my English loans,” Ronan told The Athletic about his time at Blackpool.

“It was a relief to get that first goal (against Bolton Wanderers) but it’s a shame the season finished. I was picking up a few assists and I felt I was kicking on. I could have got a couple more goals before the end of the season.

“If a Championship loan came about, I’d like to think I’m ready, having got used to men’s football and that physicality in League One.

“When I broke in at Wolves under Paul Lambert, I played four or five games in the Championship a few years ago.

“I’m a better player physically and technically. Another season in League One wouldn’t do me any harm. I learned a lot about the defensive side at Portsmouth and Walsall.

“I always had this mindset – maybe being naive as a younger player – that my on-the-ball ability could get me through games and be enough to keep me in the team. If you’ve not done enough off the ball, it’s very easy to get dropped and very hard to get back in.

“I’ve tried to get bigger and stronger, and have a physical presence without losing the speed and agility.

“I’d think I’d played well but would be on the bench next game. A manager has to trust you off the ball. I look at both sides of the game now

“While I’m contracted to Wolves, my goal will always be to break back into the first team. That’s not my decision but it’s up to me to put in the performances that might earn me that right.”