Ever-present O'Donnell playing his part between the posts...
EVER-present, Richard O'Donnell, was in good form at Bristol City on Boxing Day as he made a string of fine saves.The summer signing has proved to be a reliable last line of defence this term, hence the reason that he has started every game so far.
"I'm really enjoying it," he said. "As a professional footballer, you want to be out there playing week in, week out and I am pleased that I have been able to do that since I have been here.
"I'm happy with my form; there's always room for improvement and I have been working hard on the training pitch with Neil Cutler, who has been a massive help to me since I have been here.
"As a team we have done reasonably well so far and have proved what we are capable on occasions throughout the first half of the season. The hope now is that we can build on this and really push for the play-offs.
"We fancy ourselves against any team at this level and we're really looking forward to the battles ahead in the second half of the season."
O'Donnell had no complaints about the penalty that he conceded at Ashton Gate, which ultimately proved to be decisive.
"It was one of those things," he admitted. "Unfortunately I just couldn't get to the ball quick enough and their lad has done what all strikers do and left his leg in. He probably got more of me than I got of him, but I have no complaints about the decision.
"It makes it even more disappointed that we ended up losing to the penalty but I was pleased with some of the saves I made during the game.
"It's my job to keep the ball out of the net and I will do whatever I can to achieve that.
"Maybe it wasn't our day at Bristol City. We didn't create enough and we know that we can do much better than that.
"The good thing about this time of the year, though, is that if you do lose, the next game is always just around the corner and now we focus on getting the three points at Gillingham on Sunday.
"They are a big, physical team, but we go there more concerned about our own performance rather than what they can do to us. It's about putting our own stamp on the game, doing the right things and ultimately coming home with the points."
It's certainly a busy time of the year with the matches coming thick and fast. After Sunday's long trip down to Gillingham, we then host Sheffield United on Wednesday.
"The main thing is to look after yourself," added O'Donnell. "Rest is important and it's about getting the balance right between rest and training.
"As a group we feel good and can't wait for the next game to come around."