MITCHELL TAKES HIS CHANCE
WE’RE IN A PRIVILEGED POSITION TO ACHIEVE SOMETHING
MILLWALL loanee Alex Mitchell is enjoying life at Lincoln City as a central figure in their 13-game unbeaten run, and that is where his sole focus lies.
The 22-year-old is on his fourth loan move away from his parent club and has not committed any time to thinking about what is next after this season.
However, it is periods within a season like he is currently enjoying with Lincoln that should make others take notice.
Mitchell has started eight in a row now for the Imps – with 34 total appearances so far for the season – and has been one of those quick-hit loan players that fans warm to instantly.
It helps when the team are winning games as they currently are, and Mitchell is enjoying the experience.
“I think you could always tell that once we clicked we would be in a good place,” Mitchell told South London Press.
“We have always had a good defence and it’s easier not to concede goals when you are scoring a lot of them because teams don’t want to attack as much.
“It’s been decent – 13 unbeaten and only four goals conceded in that time.
“We have done well to get to this stage but there is no point then bottling the last seven games – these are the ones that we are in a privileged position to achieve something.
“Barnsley away was a bit of a statement, about what we can do. We are two points [behind the play-offs] and have got to play Oxford.
“I don’t think you can get fixated on the table. You have to be aware but concentrating on one game at a time is the best way of looking at it.
“Where we are now is an achievement. I’m enjoying it and I’ve played a lot of games.
“When you grow up in the academy system you kind of live in a bit of a bubble – you don’t realise how privileged you are to play football.
“For some reason when I came here I’ve maybe been reminded of that. I enjoy going into training and being around Lincoln – it is a real privilege to do what I do.”
Where Mitchell’s future beyond this season is unknown.
He has a year left on his deal with Millwall but it’s unlikely that he’ll want to spend another season on loan or as a back-up option, so there could be a decision to be made.
Mitchell added: “I’m not stressed lies about that. Millwall have allowed me to do what I have done so far. I haven’t thought about it [his future] at all this season. I like to live in the here and now. I’ve still got the year of security.
“It would be frustrating if I went back to the bench but it is a step up in standards, even if you are getting 20-25 games coming off the bench in the Championship.
“I haven’t really spoken to Millwall, so it will be interesting to see what happens.”