Watford loan striker Ryan Cassidy got off the mark in the league on Saturday and says there is more to come from him.
The 19-year-old has started every Sky Bet League One game so far since arriving pre-season and scored his first league goal from the penalty spot in Saturday’s 4-1 loss at home to Oxford United.
“John said I was the penalty taker before the game and luckily I stuck it into the net,” said the Republic of Ireland Under 21 international.
“I wasn’t nervous as I was confident in myself, if you think you are going to score, you always score.
“It felt good, especially my first professional league goal, but it was sweet and sour really as we didn’t get the result which is the most important thing at the end of the day.”
He admitted it’s been a big step up from Under 23 football to the League One stage.
“League football is very physical, the first two league games were very physical and in the last game I thought I did better.
“But I still have a lot to give, it’s all getting used to the league and I think the performances will come.
“My game has developed here. It’s about being smart and strong and to use my body more. I am learning everyday and I am going to keep learning.
“It’s playing with men all the time which will make me stronger and just making quicker decisions as you don’t get as much time on the ball as you do in 23 football or youth team football.
“I feel like I have become a better player already, there is a difference from the start of the season to now, it’s huge. I have improved a lot already and I know by the end of the season I will be a completely different player.”
The Reds won their league opener against Peterborough but have lost to Burton and Oxford and travel to face Wimbledon this weekend, playing at QPR, who are unbeaten in the league so far.
“That winning feeling was nice on the first day of the season, I think it was harsh on us against Oxford but at the same time we didn’t play up to our standards.
“As I said at the start of the season, if we play up to our high standards we can beat anyone in the league. Hopefully we can get back to playing our best and get on a run now.
“I am enjoying it, every point counts, the games mean more.
“Wimbledon is a tough challenge, especially away, but we are going to be ready and hopefully we will get the result.”
Cassidy has settled into life in the North-west, sharing a house with another Reds loan player Tom Allan, from Newcastle.
“We click off each other, Tom is a nice guy, we get on well. We play golf with each other although we haven’t made a meal for each other yet though!”
He is also hoping his spell at Stanley will help his international career progress.
“I have been on a training camp and it was the first time with the U21s which was good experience.
“They have qualifiers this year, if they qualify this year I think it’s the first time the 21s will have qualified for the European Championships so that will be nice for the country.
“The more games I get under my belt and the more goals means you get noticed which is good for anything so hopefully I can keep this going.”
The full pre-match interview video with Ryan Cassidy is available to watch on the club's official YouTube channel, CLICK HERE to find out more!