Neal Ardley has hailed Connell Rawlinson and says the defender has become a “major part” of Notts County’s bid for success this season.
The former Port Vale defender produced an imperious display in the 2-0 win over Torquay at the weekend which lifted the Magpies up to fifth in the table.
Rawlinson played a key role in ensuring Notts kept their fifth successive clean sheet at Meadow Lane by making a crucial goalline clearance in the second half.
He has formed a formidable partnership with Ben Turner in the heart of the defence and Magpies boss Ardley has been thrilled with the defender’s performances of late.
“When we lost Sam Graham to injury, and then Ben Turner with a calf problem, Connell had to step up,” he said.
“We all talked about how well Damian McCrory did in those games when he played centre-back, but Connell came in alongside him, and first of all he was quite quiet.
“He did his job with no messing around and since then he’s just grown.
“He’s in the team and he’s a major part of it now.
“He’s defending solidly, and it’s a good central defensive partnership.”
