Caolan Lavery talks to www.themillers.co.uk...
Rotherham United loanee Caolan Lavery says he has settled in well to life with the Millers but is keen to return to full fitness having tasted match action in his home debut against AFC Wimbledon.
The Blades’ attacker was introduced to the home faithful as a second half substitute as Paul Warne’s men recorded victory over the Dons at AESSEAL New York Stadium, playing a part in the build-up to David Ball’s points-securing goal, but admits he still has work to do on the training ground to meet the manager’s high fitness standards.
"I have some work to do. Playing matches is a lot different to training every day, but I have to make sure that I increase my sharpness, and then some more minutes can come from that,” Lavery told www.themillers.co.uk.
“It has been a really good week of training. It has been good to get to know the lads that I didn't know, and get myself involved in the group.
"Training is intense, but that was no surprise to me, that's why I joined. I spoke to the manager and the lads before I came so I knew what to expect, and I have enjoyed it. It is nice to have training at a high tempo, and whilst it is a cliche, it is true - you play the way you train.”
Lavery, who was heavily involved as Sheffield United emphatically secured the League One title with a 100 points haul last season, says he was pleased to be involved in the win over the Dons to further strengthen his loan side’s place in the Play-offs ahead of a tough trip to face the Iron.
"It was nice to come on and make my debut at home,” he continued.
“I came into a good result which was also a bonus so it was a good day for the club. It was a tough game against Wimbledon and I think that every game from now on is going to be very difficult. I came into a game last week that was a physical battle, Wimbledon throughout a lot at us, but credit to our back line who defended really well.
"We are now starting to cement our place in the play-offs and Scunthorpe is the first one up, and that will be tough. We then have to recover well and go again on Tuesday."