Fleetwood Town's Everton loanee takes on a leading role

The 23-year-old is enjoying a second loan stint at Highbury from Everton and making rapid strides forward.

As his centre-half partnership with Charlie Mulgrew blossoms, Connolly scored his first goal of the season in the home draw with Sunderland last Friday, when he also captained the side.

The Liverpudlian has made 10 appearances since rejoining Fleetwood on a season-long loan in October.

It follows last season’s loan stint at Town, where he made 13 appearances from January to March and returned for the play-off semi-finals against Wycombe Wanderers in July.

Following earlier loan stints with Wigan Athletic, Bolton Wanderers and Lincoln City, Connolly feels his career has taken major strides forward at Fleetwood.

On being named captain before Paul Coutts returned at Northampton on Tuesday, Connolly said: “It makes me proud to do that when Couttsy and Whelo (Glenn Whelan) aren’t playing.

“I was surprised to be given the armband but I’ve taken on the responsibility.

“It’s a great experience for me being captain. Going forwards we’ll see what happens, but if the manager wants me to be captain again, I’ll happily step up.”

What has also been great experience has been linking up with former Blackburn Rovers captain and Scotland international Mulgrew, who is on loan at Town from Ewood Park.

Town head coach Joey Barton says Connolly has “found a home” alongside Mulgrew in the heart of defence and Connolly added: “It’s great playing with Charlie. I’ve got a great relationship with him on and off the pitch.

“He’s a top lad, a top pro. You can see by his performances that he’s a leader in the group. It shows on the pitch and in the changing rooms.”

Alongside Mulgrew, the versatile Connolly, who can also push forward into midfield, has gained a settled spot at centre-half.

He added: “I’m enjoying it at the minute. Throughout my career I’ve played in so many positions.

“I wouldn’t say I have a particular one but this season has started well.

“Throughout the season I’ve been enjoying the games playing down the middle and on the right side as well.

“So it’s going well at the minute and we’ll see what happens over the next few weeks.”

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