MICAH Evans is determined to end his season-long loan at Accrington Stanley on a high as he bids to force his way back into the reckoning at Blackburn Rovers next season.
Evans has endured a difficult period out of the side at Stanley, even missing out on the bench on some occasions because of Football League rules that only allow clubs to name five domestic loan signings in their matchday squad.
But the 19-year-old wide man returned to the line-up against Oxford on Tuesday, for only his second start under new boss Paul Cook, and could get another chance to impress when Stanley host AFC Wimbledon this afternoon.
Evans has been pleased to see many of his friends help Rovers to the FA Youth Cup final this week and knows he faces fierce competition when he returns to Blackburn – so he is keen to make a real impact in Stanley’s final games of the season, having scored three goals in the early stages of his loan spell.
“There’s six or seven games left so a couple of goals could definitely do me good,” he said.
“I want to be there at Blackburn, hopefully in and around the first team, you never know how it goes.
“That’s my main thought, that’s where I want to be next season.
“I speak to the reserve manager (Gary Bowyer) a lot, he calls me after every game. He came and watched me the other night, and he tells me where I could do better.
“I’m always looking to improve.
“I’ve learned loads here, dealing with not being in the team, it’s the first time ever I’ve had to deal with that.
“There was a time when my head was a bit down but the gaffer and Leam (Richardson) helped me to stay positive and told me that my chance would come.”
Les Parry says he is relishing the chance to help out Stanley until the end of the season – weeks after being sacked as Tranmere manager.
Parry was Tranmere’s physio during Paul Cook’s days as a player at Prenton Park.
Stanley saw previous physio Joe Hinnigan recently follow John Coleman to Rochdale, and Parry is helping out in a voluntary capacity.
“I know I said I did not think I would want to return to being a club physiotherapist after managing Tranmere, but Accrington asked me about working with them until the end of the season and I was happy to accept,” Parry said.
“I’m enjoying it.
“It keeps me busy while I think about what to do in the longer term
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