Port Vale defender says Sunderland game is biggest game of his career
Port Vale rookie Connell Rawlinson is looking forward to his “biggest game” of his career when the Valiants take on Sunderland in the FA Cup first round.
Rawlinson had never played league football before this season but the towering Welsh centre-half has cemented a regular place in the Vale defence.
It’s the biggest game of my career and it’s something I’ve been looking forward to since the draw came out…
He told the media: “It’s the biggest game of my career and it’s something I’ve been looking forward to since the draw came out, especially with it being such a big team.
“There will be a fair few fans here, so it’s going to be a great occasion that myself, my family and the rest of the lads are buzzing for.
“The build-up to the game has been the same as always, and it’s important not to make it any different because you’ve got to play the game, not the occasion.”
Rawlinson is definitely enjoying his time at Vale Park adding: “Coming into the club at the start of the season was the complete unknown to me. I didn’t know the standard or how good I’d be, and I wasn’t sure if I’d take to it as well as I have done,” he revealed.
“I feel really settled at the moment, especially in the team I’m enjoying the new formation and playing left of a three. Ideally I’m a centre-half, but if I need to play out of position I will do, but I’m enjoying what I’m doing.
“I’m really happy with how I’ve started. I wanted to hit the ground running because I’ve not got time to improve as I’m 27, so I needed a good season.
“The start was positive and I made sure I got into the team early on because the last thing I wanted was to be sitting on the bench and not showcasing my talent on the pitch.
“Everything has worked out perfectly and I’ve put a lot of hard work in behind the scenes before I even came in, so it’s all paying off and I’m loving my time at the club.
“When I left Welsh football and I came into the English leagues, it was all about milestones for me and achieving thing. That way, when I do finish playing, I can look back and say I’ve done what I set out to do.”
He is confident of a Vale win saying: “If we approach the game correctly and put our stamp upon it, getting stuck in and trying to ruffle a few feathers, I don’t see why we can’t pull off a good result.
“Port Vale has a rich history in the FA Cup as well as in league football, so if we can get a result on Sunday it can only benefit the club moving forward. There’s a lot of money on the line if you can progress through the rounds, and we’ll be looking to not get beaten and stay in it as long as possible.”