DEFENDER Tom Flanagan came on as a half time substitute against Oldham Athletic in a solid 1-0 victory at Boundary Park on Saturday.
The change was a little unexpected as the Albion defence held the line well in the first half, limiting the home side to only long-range shots. Shane Cansdell-Sherriff looked to pull up with a groin injury which left a vacant spot for Flanagan to fill.Flanagan has only made appearances in cup competitions so far this season with Saturday being his league debut after signing from MK Dons in the summer.
“It has been a frustrating couple of weeks not playing, sitting on the bench and just watching but it’s been a tough one.
“The boys have been playing well and it looked pretty comfortable defensive wise (against Oldham) but we didn’t have many chances going forward.
“I wasn’t expecting to come on but Shane (Cansdell-Sherriff) pulled up with something so I got out and warmed up and got on.
“I’m pleased to get it out of the way; it’s been a long time coming. I can’t be too disappointed because the boys have been playing well.”
Burton Albion have the best defensive record in Sky Bet League One so far this season and that is credit to Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink’s organisation among the squad.
When a team are putting gin defensive performances as the Brewers are, other players are left waiting their chance but Flanagan is hoping to play the next couple of fixtures after displaying a convincing defensive wall against Oldham.
A team is something that Hasselbaink has very much implied at the Pirelli Stadium after building a strong squad throughout the summer having cover in every single position and Flanagan recognises the importance of being a team.
“I am so pleased that the boys are doing so well but at the same time, not playing isn’t great.
“I can understand why I haven’t been playing, it isn’t like the gaffer thinks someone is better than me because it is a team game.
“The team that have been playing recently have been playing well and keeping clean sheets so there are no complaints. Hopefully I’ll play the next couple.”
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