Football Barton full of praise for young on-loan defender Connor
JOEY Barton has hailed the impact of Stoke City defender Connor Taylor on loan at Bristol Rovers after the 19-year-old scored a crucial equaliser on Saturday.
Rovers were staring down the barrel of yet another away defeat at Walsall, but Taylor stabbed home the leveller before Sion Spence’s stoppage-time winner relieved the pressure on the Gas boss.
The teenager, on a season-long loan from the Potters - has been a standout performer for the Gas this season, climbing above several more experienced players in the pecking order to establish himself as a crucial player in Barton’s side, and the manager is delighted to have him in the ranks.
He has been hugely impressed by the centre-back’s character, with Taylor responding superbly after being beaten, albeit fortuitously, for Walsall striker Kieran Phillips’ opening goal at the Bescot Stadium.
“He has been brilliant,” said Barton. “He’s got a great constitution and I think he’s got a massive career out in front of him if he gets the rub of the green that you need with injuries.
“I think he has been a real bonus, so I’m pleased for him.
“He’s here to learn lessons. I think the first goal for them, I had a look at it at half-time, sometimes in football you just get unlucky. The kick is not in the best position and it spins up. We don’t win the first contact, we don’t win the second contact and it goes through Alfie Kilgour’s legs.
“We work on certain defensive principles and Connor said he was trying to squeeze him, but the lad just gets a ricochet and it comes on the inside and at that point it’s tough for Belly (James Belshaw).
“But you’re going to make mistakes like that. You’re watching the Ryder Cup with the best golfers in the world and they make errors. It’s how you respond to it.
“That’s the test of your character and to get the equaliser and show his mettle over the short amount of games he’s had, he’s got an incredible future in front of him.
“He’s a level-headed boy and we’re pleased to have him in our football team, because he’s a quality young man and a quality footballer.”
❝ I think he’s got a massive career out in front of him if he gets the rub of the green that you need with injuries