Blackburn Rovers defender Connor O’Riordan backed to take his next chance with loan club Cambridge United

Cambridge United head coach Garry Monk has backed Connor O’Riordan to take the next opportunity that comes his way.

The defender, who is on loan with the U’s from Championship outfit Blackburn Rovers, has fallen out of favour in recent weeks.

Of United’s last five League One games, the 21-year-old has not made the matchday squad on two occasions – including Saturday’s 2-0 victory over Wigan Athletic. And in the other three fixtures O’Riordan was a unused substitute, with his last appearance coming on 14 September at Mansfield Town.

However, Monk has been pleased with the work that the Republic of Ireland international has been doing on the training pitch – and he also stressed that he will get a chance to regain his place.

“Connor doesn’t deserve it (to be out of the squad) and I’ve spoken to him a lot,” said Monk, who will take his side to face Stevenage tomorrow night.

“Unfortunately when you do this job and you’ve got a good group of lads, there’s only a set number you can start with and a set number you can have on the bench.

“Unfortunately at times there are players that aren’t starting that are frustrated and don’t deserve it and other times players aren’t even in the squad and Connor is one of those.

“He doesn’t deserve to be out of the squad but it’s a numbers thing and a position thing on the bench.

“But he’ll have his opportunity. He’s a great lad and we’ve spoken a lot about any player in that position keeping their head and being focused on what they need to do.

“Football changes really quickly – we’ve seen from week to week how quickly it changes. Your job is to be ready and he’s working hard behind the scenes. When he gets the opportunity again to be involved I’m sure that he’ll take it.”

O’Riordan has made a total of five appearances for Cambridge in all competitions.