Shane McLoughlin is eager to keep progressing at Newport County after making his return from injury earlier this month.
The versatile defender had been sidelined for two months following a knee injury sustained against Port Vale in September.
However, after making a late appearance in last weekend's 2-1 defeat to Tranmere, and playing 63 minutes in the midweek EFL Trophy loss to Reading, McLoughlin is feeling positive about his recovery and is keen to push on.
“It’s been a while now,” said the 27-year-old, reflecting on his return. “I’ve been looking forward to getting back out there for the past few weeks.
"I’m feeling good, and it was great to get an hour under my belt on Tuesday. I definitely needed that — it helped blow a few cobwebs off. Now, I’m raring to go again.
“I think I got away without having a really nasty injury, which was the worry at the time because I kind of hyper-extended my knee while he caught me at the same time.
"In the end, there was damage to my cartilage, a sprain on the ACL, and my hamstring tendon tried to tear the bone off. So there were a few issues on either side of the knee, but I think on all three fronts, I got away lightly.
“I’ve been training for a few weeks now, but like I said, I was itching to get back out on the pitch. As I had my injury at the end of last season as well, it feels like it’s been a long time since I’ve had a good run of games.
“I had some goals last year that I set, and I feel like I reached them - I would have gone past them if I’d kept playing. I think now I just want to get to a stage where I can play week in, week out again, and then I’ll set my targets again.
“This is football at the end of the day - when someone is out injured, someone else must step up and play. I feel like the lads have done well, but we just need to find that consistency now.
"In those moments where a goal changes a game, we need to capitalise on those, especially when we’re on top.”
In his absence, County have won just three of their last nine League Two fixtures, as well as exiting the FA Cup.
The Irish defender, known for his versatility and wealth of experience, is a valuable addition to the Exiles' back line as they continue to search for consistency.
Head coach Nelson Jardim has praised McLoughlin’s ability to play across multiple positions, noting his "composed" style and how his adaptability strengthens both the attack and defence of a team that has conceded 26 goals this season.
"I don’t mind being called versatile," McLoughlin said. “As I’ve said before, playing in a number of positions gives me a better idea of what my teammates want, as I’ve been in their shoes for games.
"I know exactly where they need to be, so it helps me in whatever position I play, as I can help the boys through the game.
“A couple of years ago, I would have said I was a central midfielder, box-to-box. But I think that’s changed now as I’ve grown more into the full-back role over the last couple of years, which I’ve enjoyed.
"I feel like last year was my best season in terms of goal contributions, so I can’t really complain about that.”
County return to League Two action on Saturday, looking to snap a four-game winless streak as they face Grimsby Town at Rodney Parade.
The Exiles will be keen to bounce back from a 3-0 defeat to Reading in midweek, which extended their losing run to three matches.
They come up against a Grimsby side in strong form this season, sitting in 7th place and holding the final play-off spot. The Mariners have won eight and lost seven in the league so far, with no draws to their name.
He finished: “League Two is a tough league, everyone knows that. There are a lot of good players at the club, but I think we’re all still gelling together.
"I know people don’t like to hear that, but there are a lot of new players here, and it’s going to take time.
“With this group of lads, I think we’ll get through this, keep up the promising signs, and start being consistent.
“I think we just need more consistency so players can shine because it’s very difficult when things are up and down. Once we get that consistency - and I’m sure we will - we can show the promise we have. That’s the next step: consistency, keeping runs together, and letting players shine even more.
“Obviously, there will always be tweaks, but if you can keep that solid structure, it’s going to help because you only get better the more you play together.”
