January arrival Jack Moylan says he’s “not here to make up the numbers”, as the starts his first Lincoln City game.
Jack Moylan was handed his first start for Lincoln as they drew 0-0 with Stevenage in SkyBet League One. The Imps extended their unbeaten run to ten matches as they continue their late play-off push.
Moylan arrived from Shelbourne in November following an impressive 15 goal return in the League of Ireland in 2023. The Irishman had come from the bench seven times previously but was thrust into the starting 11 following injuries to Ethan Hamilton and Conor McGrandles.
In from the off:
Moylan was first keen to express his pride at his first start for Lincoln: “Yeah, I enjoyed it, it’s been a couple of months now working my way in and getting settled but I’m delighted to finally get one [a start] and hopefully many more now.”
He was then asked to assess the team’s performance and his own 86 minutes.
He said: “It was alright, I think it was a pretty bad game to be honest, we’d be the first to admit it was a bit of a horrible game but we said if we’re not going to win then don’t lose and that’s not a bad point against them.”
Moylan emphasised how patient he’s had to be in the period since his arrival for Michael Skubala‘s side.
“It’s my first nearly full game in nearly four months, so I really enjoyed it, the whole part about it is being ready. The last three or four weeks I’ve wanted to get into the team, but I’ve had to stay focused and stay ready so when the manager calls upon you, you’re ready to go,” he said.
The 22-year-old added: “I’m not here to make up the numbers I want to be in the team and fighting for places and it pushes everyone else when there’s lads coming in and doing well.”
An unconventional position:
More traditionally a forward, Moylan was deployed in a midfield three alongside Ethan Erhahon and Ted Bishop, he was asked by BBC Radio Lincolnshire where he thinks his best position is.
He said: “I don’t know myself! It’s probably the lowest I’ve ever played though, I normally play higher, but I enjoyed it, I think you get a bit more of the ball and I’ll play anywhere I’m asked to.”
Defensive brilliance and Barnsley:
Lincoln are now unbeaten in ten, a run that includes three goalless home draws against sides in the top six. Moylan was asked by LincSport if the team can take encouragement from shutting out some of the division’s best attackers:
“They’re three top teams [Peterborough United, Derby County, Stevenage] and especially Stevenage they’re really top on set pieces, they may not be the most fantastic football team but they’re going to give you a real threat so for the three boys at the back to keep a clean sheet again, I don’t think they’ve got enough credit recently, but they were fantastic,” he said.
Lincoln have a free midweek to prepare for a trip to Oakwell to face an in-form Barnsley side next weekend.
Moylan was pleased to have some recovery time: “Yeah it’s probably well needed, the Saturday Tuesdays get on top of you, so the next 48 hours are about recovery and then hit the ground running Monday morning.”
Feature Image Credit: Lincoln City FC YouTube Channel