Life on the outside - - The official of Jamie McClen

Life on the outside - 18/11/2002

Stevie's done well

Missing out on the Everton game, not even making the squad, was a massive disappointment to me. After not featuring since early season, I had my heart set on the Worthington Cup game – especially as it followed the Boro game only 48 hours later. Everyone knows that we’ve a large squad and when you look at the cover we have in midfield, it’s easy to see that competition is intense. The club’s been lucky in that we’ve suffered very few injuries, although with Robert and Hugo perhaps missing the next few games there may be an opening down the left hand side. As for me, well I’m a central midfielder – but I’ll play anywhere, in fact I’m playing right midfield tonight for the reserves. The thing is that I’m 23 years old, and I’m hungry to play in the first team. I need to keep myself in shape – both mentally and physically, and I have to admit that it’s tough. I'm not even training with the first team and running out at St. James seems so far away.

Not so long ago I spent some time on loan at Motherwell and really enjoyed it. I think that another spell of first team action would do myself and the club some good. I’d love the opportunity to get my head cleared and come back to the toon focused and ready to push for the first team squad. My old mate Lloyder (David Beherall) is at Oldham and having a great time, it does cross my mind that it would be good to have a spell over there. I wish it’s was as simple as that, but clubs aren’t exactly rolling in cash at the moment and my wages would have to be paid.

I look at Griff and now Stevie Caldwell, both lads who’ve looked to be miles away from first team football, but both now in the squad. I tell you something though, it’s great to see them do so well. I’ve had a chat with Griff and he’s told me to keep my head down and train hard, he’s been my room mate when we’ve been in the first team squad and he’s a good lad. I watched Stevie against Southampton and he’s pinging balls around and looking very solid – great stuff. So yes, I know it can be done, both of those two have been in my situation, but then again, I’m older than Steve and a lot of Griff’s time on the sidelines has been spent because he’s been injured. Anyway, we’ll see how I play tonight…you never know, things can change quite quickly in football and this time next month I could be there or thereabouts.