Callum Cockerill-Mollett: Next Walsall opportunity not far off
Callum Cockerill-Mollett believes his next Walsall opportunity is not far away as he bids to regain his place in the team.
Max Melbourne has been the preferred option at left-back since he arrived on-loan from Lincoln, as Cockerill-Mollett’s chances have been few and far between.
The 22-year-old has only made 13 appearances so far this season, with five of them coming under Brian Dutton.
His last start came on March 2 and he has been left out of the squad in recent weeks. Despite that, the defender believes he will have a chance soon to prove his worth.
“I feel like this gaffer especially, if you work hard behind the scenes and when no-one is looking he will definitely give you an opportunity to showcase yourself,” he said.
“He has done that and I’ve been working hard and trying my best. He gives me those opportunities.
“You have to stay as strong as possible mentally and wait for those opportunities again.
“It’s been tough but you have to get through it and eventually you come through the other side and play as many games as possible.
“I get on well with Max, we’re good friends, but we’re both trying to get that starting position at the end of the day.
“It’s always good to have competition, I think it brings the best out of us both and makes us up our game.
“Hopefully we can carry on doing that.”
After suffering from a torn hamstring last season, Cockerill-Mollett has had other setbacks this year, but now insists he is feeling ready.
“I’ve had issues in and around the hamstring,” he added.
“The past couple months I’ve been working really hard in the gym to keep myself as strong as possible and give myself the best opportunities to play as many games as I can. I feel good now, I’m slowly getting there and got back up to the pace.
“I had a couple of months out and I’m gradually getting there. I feel up to the pace and speed now.”
Managed Dutton was asked about Cockerill-Mollett’s recent omission from the squad, he said: “Mols is fine and is available for selection.
“He’s working hard on the training pitch and we’ll see how he gets on between now and the end of the season.”
