Made-Up in Sheffield

MADE-UP IN SHEFFIELD

Young Red Conor Coady is learning fast on loan across the Pennines, he tells Aiden Cusick

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onor Coady hopes his loan spell at Sheffield United will inspire other Reds youngsters to head out in search of first-team football.

The 20-year-old, who recently extended his stay at the League One outfit until the end of February, believes spending time at another club is “something you’ve got to do” as a young player coming through.

“You’ve only got to look at players who’ve been out on loan and gone on to play first-team football (at their parent club),” he says. “There are loads that do it - the likes of Andre Wisdom at Derby who are absolutely flying at the minute. It’s a fantastic move for him and he’ll no doubt come back a better player.”

But Conor also stresses the importance of testing yourself at Under-21 level first, something he did ahead of his move to the Steel City, adding that loans are more beneficial if you do them at the right age.

“I think you need a year or two in the U21s to bring you on, especially at a club like Liverpool. The amount of staff they’ve got there can really help to develop you as a player.”

His belief is that, ultimately, the new academy system (U21 and U18 and no reserve-team) will see better players coming through at first-team level. “It’s definitely aiding player development. The environment is a lot different. In the reserves you were just playing games, you never really knew what was going on, whereas now you’re fighting for your place in a league and it’s a tough, competitive one, which is good.”

He singles out another Liverpool youngster as a good example of how the system is already working. “Look at Jordan Rossiter and how it’s brought him on. He’s played at that level early and now he’s making the bench for the first team. I think all it can do is help.

“I’d had a couple of years in the reserves so it was time for me to get out there, start playing proper football and learn what it’s about to go and play in the league.”

When the opportunity came - off the back of an Under-20 World Cup campaign with England - Conor says he was “more than happy” to make the temporary switch to South Yorkshire. “Brendan (Rodgers) came to me and said: ‘Sheffield United are interested, we think it’ll be good for you’. I knew it was a massive club and a great place to learn my trade at. I went in that week and I’ve played a few games now so I’m made-up.” His tally now stands at over 20 appearances with a first goal coming in November’s draw with Leyton Orient at the Matchroom Stadium in East London.

Settling in was “no trouble” as several of his Blades team-mates live this side of the Pennines, making his commute to the Steel City slightly more stress-free.

“It was very easy for me (to settle); the lads have been fantastic, a few of them live out Manchester and Preston way so I’ve been living at home and commuting there. We share lifts so I only really have to drive once a week. The night before a game I’ll stay in the hotel that’s by Bramall Lane. The travelling’s not too bad, you know, but it’s always better to stay over and make sure you’re right for the day after.”

On the pitch it wasn’t such plain sailing. After winning their opening match of the campaign against Notts County, the Blades went nine league games without a win - a run which cost manager David Weir his job. The Scot had a big hand in Coady’s switch to the Lane, having come across the 20-year-old during his time spent coaching at Everton, though the Kirkby graduate refused to dwell on Weir’s departure.

“It didn’t affect me much really. Davie Weir was good to me but as soon as Nigel Clough came in we just had to carry on doing what we were doing - working hard and trying to impress him. Hopefully I did that. He’s (Clough) been really good with me; he lets me know what he wants, where I’ve been going wrong and what I need to work on.”

In terms of style at least, the transition between the two managers was relatively straightforward, and Conor credits this as the catalyst in his development over the last six months. “The fact the managers both want to play football has really brought me on. The thing I’ve improved the most is receiving the ball off the back four and automatically looking forward. When you play at first-team level it’s important to look forward at all times, it’s easy to pass sideways so working on getting the ball and ensuring my first pass is a positive one has improved my game massively.”

It’s something which should stand him in good stead for his return to Anfield - initially scheduled after United’s FA Cup win over Aston Villa at the start of January until the two clubs agreed on an extension - where he would relish the opportunity to push for a place in the Reds engine room.

“Central midfield is where I’ve been brought up playing, I like to try and get on the ball as much as possible. I’ve played a bit at centre back for Liverpool (for the reserves and Under-21s) but for United I’ve always played centre mid.”

Both of Conor’s first-team appearances for Liverpool came in his favoured midfield role, including his debut against Anzhi Makhachkala in November 2012 when a youthful Reds side were defeated 1-0. “You always dream of having your debut for Liverpool, the team I grew up with, but to have it out in Russia was superb. It was a mad experience but just to make my debut was absolutely fantastic and I loved every single minute of it.”

Conor also featured as a late substitute in the victory over Fulham in the penultimate game of the 2012/13 campaign, and hopes to be handed more opportunities to show what he can do when he returns. But he has no qualms about extending his spell in the Steel City for the time being, and believes the experience of playing in front of big crowds can only aid his transition to the first team at Anfield.

“That’s been the highlight for me, playing at Bramall Lane. It’s a great stadium. They get very big capacities for a League One side and playing in front of them has been fantastic for my development.”

After their disappointing start to the campaign, Conor is hoping that the remainder of his spell will coincide with an upturn in fortunes for the Blades. “For us now, it’s about taking one game at a time and seeing where we end up come the end of the season. We’ve got to keep on building as a team. For me, it’s all about improving.”

Loans that paid off

Glen Johnson, then 17, joined Millwall on a month-long spell from West Ham and impressed enough for his deal to be extended on two occasions.

Jose Enrique spent the 2005/06 campaign on loan at Celta Vigo from Valencia. His performances earned him a move to then Champions League contenders, Villarreal.

Jordan Henderson’s successful spell at Coventry in 2009 propelled the 23-year-old in to the first-team picture at parent club, Sunderland.

Philippe Coutinho went on loan from Inter Milan to Espanyol, then managed by Mauricio Pochettino, in 2012. He scored five goals in 16 appearances.

Daniel Sturridge’s eight goals in 12 appearances while loaned to Bolton Wanderers by Chelsea in 2011 gave him a stage to display his arch goalscoring ability.