Stephen Fallon programme article
Posted : 11th December 2021
‘Look at Linfield’ this week catches up with 24 year-old midfielder Stephen Fallon. The former Swansea City youth was in high spirits after he scored what proved to be the winner in last Saturday’s 2-1 win over Coleraine at The Showgrounds as his 25 yard drive found the bottom corner.
“It was a great goal. The fans were really good getting behind us all afternoon and to score at that end in front of them made it even more enjoyable. It was a tough game and I didn’t think I played that great, so I was pleased to be able to contribute in some way. It was one of those ones that once it leaves your boot, you have a good feeling about it. Luckily, it found the bottom corner.
“I know anytime we go to Coleraine I’m in for a tough game, especially against Stephen Lowry. I’ve played with him and against him enough times to know that it’s a tough battle, as he’s a great player. You need to try and stop Lowry, if you want to win the game. It was a great three points and nice to send the fans home happy.”
Alongside Fallon and Chris Shields in midfield was Kyle McClean who was not long back from an ACL injury sustained in March. McClean’s performance over 90 minutes earned glowing praise from his midfield partner Fallon.
“Kyle McClean was brilliant. To play like that for 90 minutes against one of the best teams in the league was unbelievable, considering he’s only back from an injury which kept him out for nine months. I thought he was actually one of our best players on the day too. He’s worked so hard over the last nine months and he deserves it.”
A couple of weeks back, many suggested Linfield’s home match against Cliftonville was a ‘must-win’ for their title aspirations. The Blues won that one and they’ve won another three league games on the bounce since then, but Fallon states there’s been no dramatic changes which led to the upturn in form.
“We always just try to look after ourselves and not worry about what everybody else is saying or doing. We’ve been on a good run since then and we’re doing well with a good few league wins on the bounce which is a run we’re hungry to continue.
“There’s no real secret behind that uplift in form, other than taking each game as it comes and working hard on the training pitch. We take one game at a time and only focus on ourselves, it really is as simple as that.”
The aforementioned match against Cliftonville on November 20 was a proud day for the former Northern Ireland Youth international who made his 150th appearance for the Blues and he says he’s hungry for many more.
“I’m very proud of that, it’s a nice milestone to reach. You look at numbers and 150 is one which feels great to reach. Hopefully, I can keep going and make many more appearances for Linfield. It’s just frustrating that it could have been more if it wasn’t for picking up little injuries and I was out with a Covid-related absence a while ago too. I hope for a bit of luck in avoiding injury, so I can play as much football as possible.
“I’ve been back a few weeks now and I am feeling good. As I mentioned, I didn’t think I had my best game against Coleraine, although it was one of those matches where you just had to dig in and work hard. Fitness wise, I feel good and I am working hard every day.”
Finally, Fallon – who signed on loan from Swansea City in January 2016 before making the move permanent that summer – reckons Warrenpoint may deploy a deep defensive line which Linfield will need to try and break down.
“We’ll see how Warrenpoint approach it but I’d say it could be a similar test to the one against Carrick Rangers almost two weeks ago. Again, it’s important that we focus on ourselves because we know the quality we have and it’s important that we keep winning games – one at a time!”
Congratulations to Stephen on reaching 150 Linfield appearances and the Blues supporters will hope there’s many more to come for the intelligent midfielder.