Foot in the Door

The Bolton Wanderers loanee started in a three-man central midfield setup in the Greens’ 5-3 loss to Millwall in the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy, adjusting well to a position he is fairly unfamiliar with at a first-team level. 

“It’s the first time I’ve played in midfield; starting, in the league,” said Oscar, “so it’s a new experience for me. I’ve played in there for the Under-21s and I’ve come off from the bench and played there. 

“It’s not pressure, but I had to do something – maybe it was a decent pass or tackle someone in the right manner. I got on the ball, tried to do things, tried to be positive with everything I did. I did whatever the gaffer told me to do, like press their two midfielders when they’ve got the ball. 

“I had good cover from Carl McHugh and the back four, talking to me all the time, telling when to press and when not to press. It just made it a lot easier.” 

Manager Derek Adams praised the youngster following the game, and Threlkeld is hopeful that more first-team chances in the future will allow him to show his full potential at Home Park. 

“It’s good for him to put confidence in me,” said Oscar, “so now if I stay in the team, I can show what I can do. 

“He just said to go out and enjoy it. Get stuck in and get on the ball. Just do what you do. I like to get on the ball and express myself. Maybe it didn’t show on Tuesday, but sometimes you have to go long and put your foot in.”