Midfielder has ball in his court as he looks to extend City contract

7:30am Tuesday 18th August 2009

By Simon Parker

Steve O’Leary has promised the City faithful that he can make a big impact in a short time.

O’Leary, who joined on a five-month deal, aims to build on a decent debut when Lincoln visit Valley Parade tonight.

The former Hereford midfielder’s contract only runs until January 3 but he does not feel any added pressure to perform.

O’Leary said: “I tired towards the end on Saturday but was expecting that because I’d not played much football pre-season. But I’ve got a lot, lot more to show.

“The ball’s in my court with a short-term contract and I don’t think you can worry about it or let it affect you.

“You just try to settle in straight away and play the game without worrying about the next contract. That shouldn’t matter.

“Sometimes, short-term deals can be better because you don’t get time to sit back. I’m not that type of person anyway but I know I’ve got to crack on and work as hard as I can here.”

O’Leary needed a pain-killing injection at the weekend to numb a toe injury and is one of several doubts facing Stuart McCall.

But he is itching for another chance to step out in front of the “terrific” City home support.

O’Leary said: “You know this is a massive club. I couldn’t wait to get out there on Saturday and see all the fans and they were terrific.

“You can feel the buzz they bring to the place when we’re trying to push forward. It will be great for me to keep playing here.

“I had a trial in the summer at Crewe and other things were popping up but you’d be stupid not to want to play at this stadium every other week.

“It’s been a stop-start career for me so far. At Luton, things never really took off for one reason or another and then I got a bad injury last year with my back.

“I played the first eight games for Hereford and then was out for five months.

“I’m still only young, only 24, but it’s time I nailed down a spot and I’d love to do that with this club.”

Left back Luke O’Brien is City’s major worry after tweaking his knee. Matt Clarke is still sidelined with a thigh strain so 18-year-old Louis Horne could be thrown in.

McCall said: “It’s a big ask but he was a good, strong performer in the reserves last year.

“We’ve played a few youngsters this season already, so if he has to step up to the mark I’m sure Louis can handle it.”