Football can be a rollercoaster. There are highs but plenty of lows too.

It can be very easy, even in today's world, to bottle that up. Fortunately, Tyrhys Dolan is one of the more open footballers in today's society.

The winger had endured a tough start to the season, one he described as the 'toughest of his career'. In a revealing and honest interview, he delved deeper into his struggles and the impact social media criticism had on his mental health.

It's easy to forget Dolan is only 21, having been around the first-team for so long. The quotes are pretty powerful, so we'll let them do the talking.

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"It meant a lot (the QPR goal), I felt like I'd be through such a difficult period," Dolan said. "I hoped I was going to start this season firing but things don't always go to plan.

"When you go through a bad patch, you need to understand that you feel as bad as it is. You want to go and perform and if that's not the case, you feel bad. Then people outside tell you that you're not playing well and it is tough to deal with.

"As a young player, I'd not really experienced that until now. It's been tough to deal with but having my family around helped. I had a lot of conversations with them and I was honest to say I am struggling.

"They could tell I was struggling. I wasn't really speaking in the house, I was in my room or out of the house, not having much conversation. I opened up and they put an arm around me and the football has turned around.

"I've felt like this since the first game of the season. I am never one to really hang my head too low. I've been through a lot in my life and I have come out the other end of it.

"I felt in a dark place, it wasn't just football, sometimes life in general and you feel down. A lot of things outside, some of the trauma I've had, it catches up with you and it's tough. I am glad I have flipped it again now."

"I think sometimes people feel that their comment won't hurt but when there are so many, it does affect you," he added. You feel out in the cold, even when I was on the pitch, there are fans but you feel alone.

"You don't hear your name being sung and you feel alone even when you're in a full stadium. The team have been great with me and the manager.

"I deleted Twitter, there was too much negativity on there. I thought if I removed it, I couldn't see it and it helped me. I haven't asked what's in there, I am staying away from it. I don't think I'll ever go back on it, I want to stay away."

Dolan has been in contract talks with Rovers over the summer but with his agent moving companies, there has been a delay in negotiations. His current deal runs out in 2024, though the club have a 12-month option.

"I am enjoying my football and trying to do the best I can do for myself and the club," he said about his future. "It's not something I am worried about, it's above me.

"I want to play well and help the team as much as I can. That's what I am focussed on."