INTERVIEW: RYAN LEDSON

Midfielder Ryan Ledson speaks to Cambridge-united.co.uk about the progress of his loan spell with the U’s.The Everton youngster has featured in every game (19) since switching to the Abbey Stadium temporarily in November and is thriving from the first team opportunities that are coming his way thick and fast.He said: “I have loved every minute of the loan so far and the club have been so good to me in letting me stay this long. It has all been about experiencing real football.“I’m really happy playing my games here, I feel like it is doing me a world of good. It has been about playing as many games as possible and when you play three games in a week, it is a test, but all part of the experience.“I would say that I’m a loud character and I like to have the banter, but the lads have welcomed me in brilliantly. It’s a great group who are all very close.”The 18-year old has recently played a key role in a midfield trio alongside captain Luke Berry and James Dunne, whom Ledson feels are allowing him to flourish due to a close friendship away from the pitch.“I get on with both Luke Berry and James Dunne really well off the pitch, that makes playing alongside them a lot easier when we are on the pitch.“Working closely with them every week is very good for my development too.”Ledson reveals that the Toffees are also keeping a watchful eye on his progression but have allowed him to embrace his chance in Amber and Black.He added: “Everton travel down to watch and assess me regularly but to be honest they are letting me get on with it.“The aim of the loan was to let me experience first team football and that is they are doing. It’s far better than playing in the Under 21s.”Looking ahead to this weekend’s fixture against Northampton Town at the Sixfields Stadium, Ledson is relishing a match up with the table toppers and is confident the U’s have what it takes to cause an upset in Sky Bet League Two.“I love these type of games, because you want to be playing against these sort of teams. Plymouth away, Northampton away, these are the games that you look forward to.“You never know they may take their foot off the gas a little and perhaps misjudge us. Whatever happens we’ll be there raring to go and will be right at them.”Tickets for the game are still available online by clicking here . Meanwhile you can watch the full interview with Ryan Ledson and Manager Shaun Derry at CU Player now.