02/12/2008 - Moloney targets regular first team place
Brendan Moloney has set his sights on becoming a first team regular at Nottingham Forest, after being dramatically recalled from his loan spell at Rushden.
The 19-year-old Irishman played a key role in the crucial victory over Barnsley on Saturday, after Colin Calderwood decided to bring him back to the City Ground.
Now the defender wants to make the right back spot his own, after helping the Reds to their third win of the season in the Championship.
Moloney, who has made four senior appearances, said: "When everyone came back in pre-season they were trying to get into the first 11 but it did not happen for me.
"Sometimes you just have to keep plugging away, training hard and your chance will come.
"I was playing at Rushden and Diamonds last week and then got the call so obviously I was delighted.
"I came into training on Thursday and it went from there.
"I was nervous on Friday but I was delighted as well and I have to give credit to all the lads. They have made me feel very welcome.
"The players were brilliant and just said 'play your normal game, you'll be fine'. It was a tough game and end to end. There was a lot of defending to be done.
"It was a big win and we have to keep picking up three points from games to get out of trouble.
"If we keep clean sheets, we won't get beaten.
"I have to keep training well and hopefully I will get chances and take it from there."
Boss Calderwood had been monitoring Moloney's form at Rushden and believes he benefited from playing at a level where the football is more physical.
"I made the decision on Tuesday, we had always had that in mind and I felt it was time," he said.
"We had a look at him in the games he played and he did well.
"He has been playing regular football in the Conference and that manly football was really evident in the progression he has made.
"He made one exceptional intervention that was obvious to everyone, but he also made a really shrewd nudge and challenge in the first half that most people will have missed.
"He had a good day, and that made me have a good day - so that is quite nice."
Nottingham Forest face West Ham in the third round of the FA Youth Cup at the City Ground tonight (7pm). Entry is £3 for adults and £1 concessions.