Get To Know Under-23s defender Connor McAvoy, who has been one of the first names on the teamsheet for Mark Pembridge and Colin Omogbehin's PL2 side.
DOB: 16/02/2002
Place of Birth: Chertsey, London
Position: Centre-back
Age Group: U23
Height: 186cm
Weight: 77kg
Boots: Adidas Copa
How would you describe yourself as a player?
I’m a bit of a leader in that I like to try and take control of situations and I feel I’m good in the air as well as comfortable on the ball. I also quite like defending in the one versus one situations.
I used to struggle with defending from crosses, but I’ve worked on that over the last couple of years and I’m much better now at defending my box and knowing where my teammates are.
There are often a lot of changes at the back at Under-23 level. Does this present a challenge as a defender?
Definitely. This is something I’m often working on with my coaches. I’m naturally both-footed and I’m often moved from the left-hand side to the right depending on who’s coming in that week.
Playing alongside different players can be quite hard to get your head around but it’s a good learning opportunity for me.
You’ve been a regular feature so far this season, making 22 appearances in the heart of defence. How have you enjoyed the season up to now?
It’s obviously a bit strange due to Covid but it’s very different to Under-18s football and I’m enjoying every bit of it. You get the chance to play against top quality opposition and sometimes even first team players, if they’re returning from injury for example.
I’ve also been able to play alongside senior players such as Terence [Kongolo]. It’s good to play with these players because you learn from them on the pitch and that’s the same for when you’re up against them.
You’ve defended against some top players this season, featuring in the EFL Trophy as well as going up against the likes of Helder Costa and Pablo Hernandez for Leeds. How much do you think you’ve developed as a player this year?
Looking ahead to a game, you quickly notice the ones who have played First Team football and I don’t really think the mindset changes. My job is to keep the ball out the net. You do however expect them to do things a regular PL2 player wouldn’t do.
You need to really concentrate for the full 90 minutes and when it came to the EFL Trophy games, I felt I coped well with it. It’s definitely a brilliant learning experience.
You joined Fulham around the age of eight. How would you describe your journey at the club?
It’s all been crazy really! I didn’t ever think I’d get to where I am now when I joined. I was going because I enjoyed playing football as a kid and when I was enjoying myself, I tended to play better. I was really close to the boys at that age and as I approached secondary school, I went to Coombes and did the development programme.
My life was just football and those five years at secondary school helped me the most. There were times at the age of 13/14 where I wasn’t necessarily the best player in my team or wasn’t even playing. I knew that if I continued to work hard, it would pay off. I was quite a small kid and I developed late but I worked hard and got a scholarship after which was great.
Quickfire Questions:
Favourite TV Programme: Peaky Blinders
Footballing Hero: Sergio Ramos
Favourite Other Sport: Basketball
Favourite Food: Pizza
Favourite Musician: Roddy Ricch
Personal Ambition: To play for the Fulham First Team
Huw Jennings, Academy Director:
“Connor has been with the Club since U9. He is a determined defender who is also good on the ball. Connor’s Dad, Gordon, played professionally ‘north of the border’ and Connor has represented Scotland at a number of youth levels including as captain at U19.”
