LOANEE CALLUM ENJOYS CHANCE TO LEARN

CALLUM Connolly is learning from some of Bolton’s older heads and is confident they can beat the drop.

Everton loanee Connolly, 21, scored the only goal as Wanderers pulled off a surprise 1-0 win at in-form Birmingham in midweek and that moved them to within three points of fourth-bottom Reading going into yesterday’s clash with Norwich.

Gary O’Neil and Clayton Donaldson are both 35, while three other players are over 30, and Connolly is thriving on their knowledge.

“I’ve enjoyed my time so far. I’ve only played a couple of games, but I’m learning already,” said defender Connolly.

“There’s a few older lads in the group and I’m learning each day off them and hopefully I’ll keep on improving and see where that takes me.

“The next few games are going to be tough, we’re playing a few topsix teams, so it will be interesting to see what happens, but we’re going into the games confident now.”

Boss Phil Parkinson praised strike duo Donaldson and Josh Magennis following the victory at St Andrew’s.

“In fairness to Clayton (Donaldson) his all-round performances have been good for us,” Parkinson said.

“The goal (against Preston) has given him a boost, but he led the line well (at Birmingham).

“He’s a player with a great football intelligence.

“Josh is looking fitter and stronger, and it was a good performance.”