Lucas’ praise for ‘fantastic’ attitude of young Ciaran
AKINS WANTS ALBION TO GET ON FRONT FOOT AGAINST BLACKPOOL
LUCAS Akins says Burton Albion Academy graduate Ciaran Gilligan “ticks all the boxes”.
The midfielder made his first senior start for the Brewers this season in the EFL Trophy group match away against Peterborough United last month.
And Gilligan faced The Posh again on Tuesday night, helping the Brewers claim a 2-2 away draw against high-flying opponents who were second in League One at kick-off.
Albion veteran Akins, who started alongside Gilligan on Tuesday night, is a big fan of the 18-year-old.
“Ciaran has been a revelation for us,” said Akins.
“I’ve been fortunate to see a lot of good players come through and he ticks all the boxes.
“His attitude is fantastic, he works hard every single day.
“He deserves his chance and deserves to be in the team.”
Akins has also been impressed with the early signs from defender Sam Hughes, on loan from Leicester City, forward Niall Ennis, on loan from Wolves, and midfielder Steven Lawless, a summer signing from Livingston.
“Hughesy has done really well – we needed that sort of character to come in and dominate, in terms of heading the ball and being that presence for us,” added Akins.
“It’s good to see that. Niall played and made a real good impact.
“He showed fantastic technique to set up Kane (against Peterborough), who did what Kane does and finishes brilliantly.
“Stevie Lawless too is the ultimate professional and has been huge for us in the last few games.
“That’s really good and we’ve got that competition for places. Hopefully that will set us up nicely going forward.”
Albion twice came from behind against The Posh to earn a point and Akins wants to see the Brewers on the front foot when they face Blackpool at the Pirelli Stadium tomorrow (3pm).
“At the end of the day it doesn’t matter who we play, we want to go and attack, press and be on the front foot,” said Akins.
“We enjoy setting the tempo and it doesn’t matter if we are home or away.
“It’s just getting back to the basics of what we’re good at, playing attacking football.
“We’ve got nothing to lose. When we’re on the front foot, it doesn’t matter who we’re playing, in any league.”