Connor impressed by Swifts standard
Strong start at the Riverside has winger on a high
Connor McLaren wasn’t sure what to expect when he signed for Jeanfield Swifts earlier in the summer.
But the former St Johnstone and Montrose winger has been pleasantly surprised by the high standard of football being played at the Riverside.
The 21-year-old has played his part in Swifts’ run of seven consecutive competitive victories since the club moved into the East of Scotland League set-up.
“People looking in probably think this level is not that good a standard,” McLaren told the Perthshire Advertiser.
“The tempo is maybe a little bit slower, but, in terms of playing football, it’s more than up to scratch with the higher leagues.
“I don’t think there is much difference with the standard of player. I have been surprised.
“I didn’t know too much about football below League Two when I came in. But I have been impressed and didn’t think it would be as good as it is.
“We couldn’t have hoped for better with the start to the season. The East Kilbride game was the biggest test for us and we came through it well.
“It’s a bit of a cliché but it’s a great bunch of lads. Everyone is easy to get on with and I knew a few of them from before.”
McLaren and his team-mates in the forward department have been banging in the goals in the early part of the season.
He thinks the attacking threat the club possesses is lethal and knows that standards must be maintained if a regular starting place in the team is to be achieved.
“Going forward we have been great and, when we counter attack, teams have been struggling to handle it,” McLaren said.
“Robbie Holden scored a hat-trick at the weekend and we have players going forward like Paul Simpson, Chris Dodd and Chris Scott.
“The attacking options are class and I’d say that most of these boys could be playing at a higher level if they wanted to.
“I wasn’t going to come in here, swan about and think I was the man. I want to play every week and that is the bottom line.
“We’re always on about the tempo and keeping the ball. You need to work hard to stay in the team because
Connor McLaren (left) has enjoyed linking-up with his new team-mates everyone is looking for a game. Assistant boss Logan McConachie It’s a funny thing because you would
“The gaffer is really positive and tells said: “We’re expecting a well-matched think they’d want to take the foot off you to get on the ball and do your thing. and competitive game this weekend. the gas a little bit. That helps me out. “In the last four games between the “But they impress me with their work
“I just want to be playing every week teams there have been 20 goals and rate each week. to get fit, score goals and also create three of the games were draws. We’re “They really have put a shift in this goals. all hoping to continue our good run week and everyone’s competing for
“Everyone is pushing each other on. of form. places.” It’s early days but we really want to do “We’re in a position where Full-back Scott Mollison misses well in this league.” everything is new to us and it’s been out this weekend due to representing
Swifts hope to continue their a key message that we’ll compete for Wattcell at the Futsal Champions positive momentum with victory in absolutely everything until we can no League in Bosnia and Herzegovina. this weekend’s Alex Jack Cup second longer do so. Ryan Wilson has joined local Junior round clash against Broxburn. “There is a great spirit about the lads. side Coupar Angus on loan.