Hallam: The fans will give us that boost we need

Forward Jordan Hallam is looking to use the minutes in the Papa John’s Trophy encounter at Rotherham United as a springboard for him to go on a run of games.

The 23-year-old started a match for the Iron for the first time since March - away at Leyton Orient - successfully coming through 84 minutes at the AESSEAL New York Stadium in midweek.

Speaking to iFollow Iron, he said: “It was really good (to be back out there) and I really enjoyed it.

“I want to play as many games as I can this year. As a team, I thought it was quite a good performance and the scoreline didn’t really reflect how well we played. 

“We’re looking to kick on from that performance.”

The frontman felt he struck up a good partnership with Ryan Loft at Rotherham on Tuesday, who was also making his first start since mid-August.

That extended to combination play with Myles Hippolyte and Devarn Green who were also recalled to the starting line-up for the match in the Trophy.

“I thought we linked up quite well and we created a lot of chances. It’s just a case of putting them away,” he continued.

“It always helps when you get higher up the pitch and win the second balls because you can then combine.

“There were a lot of positives there. We have to keep working hard and cut out the mistakes that lead to their goals.”

On a personal note, Hallam played 84 minutes of the game, the most minutes he’s completed since he scored the winner against Carlisle United in September 2020.

Despite numerous setbacks across the last couple of years, he’s hoping he finally has his injury worries behind him.

“I’m feeling really good,” he stated.

“I got through about 80 minutes and I’m feeling fine. I feel like I’ve been in this position before, wanting to kick-on and get going, and I’ve been hindered by a couple of injuries. Hopefully, this time, it’s all sorted and I can get going.

“It’s been a lot of hard hours in the gym trying to sort things out and find ways of staying fit. It’s been really frustrating.”

With a sell-out away crowd heading over to the EnviroVent Stadium for the two side’s first competitive meeting in front of supporters, the frontman stated United can use the 650-strong Iron army to their advantage.

“The fans will give us that boost and that lift that we need,” he added.

“We’re on a bit of a bad run at the minute, but I think once we get that win, we will really kick on and show what we’re about.

“It’s massive and the fans can drive us on. Hopefully we can put on a performance for them and get three points.”

See much more from Jordan Hallam and Neil Cox on iFollow Iron.