Jimmy Ryan return to boost Scunthorpe survival hopes

Jimmy Ryan

Ryan started out as a youngster at Liverpool

Scunthorpe United manager Alan Knill is hoping the return of Jimmy Ryan from injury will see his side climb the League One table.

The Iron are just one point and one place above the relegation zone and Knill told BBC Radio Humberside that they have missed Ryan's influence.

"It's just unfortunate that he hasn't played all the games," said Knill.

"Hopefully now he's going to be healthy for the rest of the season because you can see his quality."

Scunthorpe signed the 23-year-old Ryan from Accrington Stanley last summer, ending his wait to work with a player he admits he has admired for a long time.

  • Ryan made over 150 appearances for Accrington before moving to Scunthorpe
  • Although born in Maghull, he is a Republic of Ireland Under 21 international

"I've watched him for maybe two or three years and every time I've gone away, whether he's played against us or I've gone and watched, I've always thought I'd like Jimmy Ryan to play in my side," he said.

"When he signed for us in the summer there was no one more delighted than me."