Colchester United receive PGMOL apology after Port Vale game
COLCHESTER United have received an apology for the penalty that they were not awarded during their 2-1 win over Port Vale.
Colchester United boss Danny Cowley on Jamie McDonnell
DANNY Cowley admits he is surprised midfielder Jamie McDonnell has been overlooked by Northern Ireland for their upcoming international senior games.
McDonnell has been outstanding this season for the U’s, after joining them on loan from Premier League club Nottingham Forest, last summer.
The combative 21-year-old, who has made 32 appearances for Colchester so far in this campaign, has earned plaudits for his performances in League Two, in his first full season in competitive senior football.
McDonnell has been named in Northern Ireland’s under-21 squad for this month’s friendlies against Ukraine, Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan but is yet to make his full senior debut for his country.
He has been omitted from Northern Ireland’s squad for this month’s internationals against Switzerland and Sweden, something that surprises U’s boss Cowley.
Cowley said: “I’ve watched him all season and I understand it’s League Two but he’ll play at least the Championship if not above that.
“I’ve lived the Championship, I know exactly what it looks like and he could play in the Championship today, no doubt.
“Northern Ireland must have some really, really good central midfielders, if he’s not in the senior squad.”
McDonnell will miss Colchester’s home clash with Fleetwood Town tomorrow, as he serves the second match of his two-game ban after picking up ten bookings.
Ellis Iandolo is expected to continue in central midfield for the U’s, in McDonnell’s absence.
“He’s been brilliant, like two players for us,” added Cowley.
“His willingness to put the team before himself and the way that he covers ground; it’s not just the volume, it’s the speed at which he can cover the ground.
“He’s so good at putting out the fires for us defensively.
“I know the back four have been pleased to have him in front.
“I thought for Ellis (Iandolo) to step in and play the way he did, I thought him and Arthur (Read) were great, really, really good on Tuesday night.
“You’re always going to miss someone of Jamie’s quality but the boys came in and did a great job.
“I think that’s what’s been the strength of this group; just honest, hard-working boys trying to get on the right side of things.”
And the U’s boss says the club’s supporters can play a huge part in helping them extend their League Two winning streak.
Colchester return tomorrow to the JobServe Community Stadium, where attendances have been on the rise this season.
And with the in-form U’s sitting just a point off the play-off places on the back of four straight wins and a 12-game unbeaten run, head coach Cowley is urging for another great atmosphere at the stadium.
