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Diminutive Connor Ronan won’t shy away for Walsall

Wolves loanee Connor Ronan has promised Walsall fans he won’t shy away on the pitch despite his small stature.

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Connor Ronan in action against Burton Albion.

The 20-year-old diminutive midfielder says he learned how to be clever in possession at Portsmouth last season, where he was given a taste of League One football.

Ronan was man of the match against Wycombe, Walsall’s only win in their last four games.

And the Republic of Ireland under-21 international has promised Saddlers he will always look to make an impact on proceedings.

“I’ll never shy away from the ball – no matter how I’m playing or how the game is going,” he said. “I’ll always try to create and get assists.”

Ronan made 17 appearances for Pompey last season and he reckons that spell has given him a good grounding in men’s football.

“I’m quite small and it’s not about trying to get big and strong, but trying to be clever about it,” he said. “You’ve got to move the ball quickly and not let players get near you, play one and two touch, have good awareness and not get into those physical battles.

“When you get the ball, don’t dwell on it. If you’ve got the time, then take the time.

“But if you haven’t, then don’t dwell on it, release it before someone comes and takes it off you.

“Some games can be tough because some teams look to play those physical battles, which don’t suit me.

“I’m trying to learn how to use my body against more physical players and maybe win fouls higher up the pitch.”

Ronan has started the last three games for Walsall after a stop-start beginning to the season, and he’s determined to put in more performances like the one against Wycombe.

“I’ve been in and out of the team but I’ve settled in well with the lads and I’m just concentrating on doing the best I can,” he said.

“Due to the team doing well, it’s been hard to break in. I’ve started the last few games and hopefully I can push on now, emulate that performance and stay in the team.

“It was an honour (to be name man of the match). It was my first league start at home; I’d played a few away games and come on at home – but I’d not started one.

“It was good to experience the home fans getting behind us and getting a win. Being named man of the match just topped it off.”