Despite what many fans think about Luca Connell, there is no doubt that the Super Reds have missed him during his three-game suspension that also resulted in three defeats.

Barnsley are a much better side with Connell in midfield and anyone with any type of football intelligence can see that.

Without Connell, the midfield is almost non-existent for large periods of the game, there is no control in there and no ability to keep possession and calm proceedings when required. We turn the ball over far too often and far too quickly without his presence. This perhaps could be attributed to some of the late goals we have conceded in some games as we have clearly tired which could be due to spending far too much time chasing the ball than in possession of it.

Connell sees much more of the ball than anyone else who can play there, he has that ability to find space to always be able available to receive it, although that can sometimes be to his detriment.

I know many fans will disagree with this, but they are wrong. I will also take it a step further.

Most of our fan base are waxing lyrical over McGeehan this season. I like McGeehan and I think he has played fairly well this season but other than his goal contributions he hasn’t really pulled any trees up with his general play and influence on the game.

Connell is a much better player than McGeehan and for me a much better captain. And I don’t really want to disrespect McGeehan at all as I do like him and would certainly pick him alongside Connell and Kelly. However, I do feel the need for comparison as I force my opinion on people.

I think that the only area McGeehan is superior to Connell is putting the ball in the back of the net, which is clearly the most important aspect of football but that cannot happen without other players creating, defending and doing the dirty work.

I have also seen no evidence yet to suggest McGeehan is a better captain. He is much quieter than Connell during the game and I haven’t seen much in the way motivation. Connell is constantly talking and telling players where to go, which this lot clearly need. He does everything a captain should in terms of communication on the field.

Connell is criticised by many fans for only playing sideways and backwards passes but he regularly plays a high percentage of long balls and successful long balls at that.

He is the only one in the team who has the ability to hit Cleary early and accurately with a pacey long ball that can set him on the attack when in plenty of space. It is no coincidence that Cleary has struggled in the last few games as he has received the ball a lot later when already marked so hasn’t had the space to attack that he often gets when Connell supplies him.

I do find it astonishing at times the hatred Connell receives from many Reds fans. For me we only have Kelly and Cleary that are better than him and potentially Kay in the not-too-distant future. But that is the end of the list.

For me there is no disputing that Barnsley are a better team with Connell in it, and I hope to see his return to the starting lineup at Reading on Saturday.

COYR