After the outstanding victory notched up at Brentford, on internet platforms it was being suggested that Callum was the best right-sided defender the Reds had signed since Nicky Eaden.
One of the hometown heroes who helped lead the Reds to the Premier League for the first time in the club’s history back in 1997, Eaden was a marauding full- back who racked up a ridiculous amount of assists during his time raiding up and down the right flank.
We mention this to Callum, who grins as we explain the sort of player Nicky was for Barnsley.
“That’s really pleasing to hear.” He responds, still smiling.
“I’m chuffed to bits hearing that, it’s some statement.
“The fans here – even though I’ve not met them yet – have been class with me to be fair. They’ve really taken to me and the kind words and messages on social media really mean a lot. I’m glad they think I’m doing well, and long may that continue.
“Because I remember when I signed and there was obviously some doubts there from supporters, because I had only played for Dons in League One and League Two. I do understand why fans are a bit cautious, but there are a lot of talented footballers in the lower leagues, and I think they are too often overlooked these days.
“I’d like to think I’ve so far proved my worth, that any doubters are now behind me.
“It feels that way. Like I say, I get lots of praise from fans after games and I do feel like I’ve done alright at this level so far. If anything, I think I’ve got lots more to give, I’ve lots more to improve on.”
Previous to that eye-catching performance at the Brentford Community Stadium, the Reds had given Premier League giants Chelsea a real run for their billions in the Emirates FA Cup fifth round encounter at Oakwell.
Callum was at the forefront of that superb display, but there were a couple of moments which he’d prefer to look back on more fondly, as he explains, moving forward in his chair.
“I’m told to make those kinds of late runs into the box, to try and make them as last-minute as possible, and I think in that instance I’ve caught Marcos Alonso out with it, but while I’m concentrating so much on the run, I’ve taken my eye off the ball a bit.
“But it was one of those where it came at me so quickly, I’ve just ended up trying to get any sort of contact on it and it’s just hit the ‘keeper.
“Anywhere else, an inch higher even, and it’s in.” The youngster says of that early chance to break the deadlock against the Blues.
“So yeah, it was a bit gutting at the time. But as I say, it’s the story of my season so far in terms of my shooting, my luck in front of goal.”
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