Liam Coyle got the best birthday present – his first EFL goal.
The midfielder turns 22 today and admitted the third against Fleetwood Town, racing in and smashing a loose ball into the net, was ‘boss.’
He had only been on the pitch four minutes after coming on as a substitute in the 5-1 victory.
“I couldn’t believe it to be honest, I haven’t scored for a few years so getting on and scoring after a few minutes was boss. It was a good time to score a goal to make it 3-1 for the team and I was absolutely buzzing.
“That goal will live with me forever. I was caught in the moment and it was an amazing moment.”
Coyle came to Stanley after being released from Liverpool and has admitted he has had to have counselling due to the pressure he put on himself while at Anfield.
He feels he has a new lease of life at the Wham Stadium and has started five games this season in all competitions, as well as coming off the bench a number of times as he did on Saturday.
“I have loved being here,” said Coyle. “Since day one in pre-season, I have been trying to kick on and do my best, to improve and suit the style of play here.
“I have played quite a few games for the U23s and I was glad to get my place in the first team.
“There is a lot of room for improvement and I try and learn every day, from video and training, and see what I can do, and try and get in the team as much as possible.
“I came from Liverpool in the 23s where there was no chance really of getting in the first team and it feels good to be training with the lads all the time.
“When you think you are doing ok, you know there is a chance and I have been given that chance by the gaffer and hopefully I can kick on and see what happens.
“I put a lot of pressure on myself to do well and the results recently, when I have been in the team, they haven’t been the best and it’s been tough going home at times and knowing we need to do better as a team.
“You put that responsibility on yourself even as a young lad.
“It’s massive to have the senior guys here, they all help me, they say the right things at the right time. For a young lad like me who hasn’t played many men’s games it’s massive, it can give you a lift or key points you can improve on.
“To get the win on Saturday was great and we want to build on that, that’s two wins on the row in the league.”
Tomorrow night the Reds welcome mid-table AFC Wimbledon to the Wham Stadium followed by Bolton at home on Saturday
“We have had six points from two league games now and have Wimbledon and Bolton at home. We want to pick up more points and build on performance from weekend.”
The full pre-match interview video with Liam Coyle is available to watch on the club's official YouTube channel, CLICK HERE to find out more!