BARRY Cotter is enjoing ‘my first long run of games in England’ but admits he has a lot of work to do to ‘cement’ the right wing-back spot in Barnsley’s side.
The 25-year-old did not start the opening game of the season but has started all the other six in the league so far.
His longest previous run, after joining the Reds in January of last year, was four successive league starts while he never played regularly for Ipswich Town before returning to his native Ireland.
Cotter told the Chronicle: “It’s my first long run of games in England.
“I appreciate the opportunity the gaffer has given me but my place is nowhere near cemented. It’s down to consistency and trust in my ability. I am not having to prove to everyone I am a good player now, they just believe I am.
“I think I have come on leaps and bounds on my composure on the ball.”
Cotter’s name is regularly sung by Barnsley fans, referencing his £20,000 transfer fee from Shamrock Rovers.
“The fans have probably been our best performer this season. They make it so special every game and it feels like a cup final. The least the fans deserve is to enjoy a few wins at home. We want to get back to consistent wins at Oakwell, as much for us as for the fans.”
Cotter is likely to come up against Stockport’s left-sided attacking midfielder Louie Barry tomorrow evening.
The Aston Villa loanee, who was in the Barcelona academy, has four goals already this season and is the reigning League One Player of the Month.
“I enjoy every battle. I don’t shy away from it. It’s just another challenge and I will be ready and confident. I always look at who I am coming up against and how they connect with others but our main focus is on ourselves. No player in League One is a finished article.”
Cotter has had to come off late in several games this season with sore or tight muscles as the medical staff try to prevent him picking up any injuries while playing in a demanding position which requires a lot of sprinting.
He said: “I can run as much as I want on a road or a pitch but it’s different with a football when people are trying to put you 20 yards into the air.
“It’s physically taxing but I am more than capable of dealing with it.”
Several long-serving players and big personalities left at the end of last season, but Cotter says the environment in the dressing room is as good as ever.
“It’s a great changing room. I am really, really enjoying just being in it.
“There are little moments of banter with the boys in between sessions or waiting for the gym. It’s a really happy place with good spirits. I think that shows with some of the goals we have scored and the way we play.”
