‘Perfect place’: - Middlesbrough man opens up on Bristol Rovers loan and Collins partnership

Josh Coburn has described Bristol Rovers as the ‘perfect place for him as he continues to thrive at the Memorial Stadium. The 20-year-old is on a season-long loan from Middlesbrough and despite a month-long wait for his debut, has not looked back since.

Coburn scored his side’s second in their win over Cheltenham Town on New Year’s Day, making it three goals in his last three games. The Bedale-born forward has eight goals in 14 League One appearances, and has adapted to life in the West Country.

He has been dubbed the ‘Teesside Haaland’ by his teammates, a nickname revealed by James Belshaw after a 1-1 draw at Sheffield Wednesday. First-team manager Joey Barton is also a big admirer and believes he is one of the best strikers in the third tier.

Coburn has become a prominent member of the Rovers first-team, and has reflected on his positive start at the Mem. Speaking after the win against Cheltenham, he said: “I’m really enjoying my football here, scoring goals and playing 90 minutes. It’s massive for me in my development,” said Coburn.

“Coming from a Championship club, we like to play football, we like to keep it on the ground and to be fair here the gaffer wants to play football so it’s the perfect place for me really.

“In League One, when I first came here I didn’t realise how physical it was going to be, and I think it’s more physical than the Championship. Getting used to that is going to put me in good stead for the future.”

Coburn’s strike partner Aaron Collins opened the scoring against Cheltenham with a calm finish after being picked out well by Sam Finley. Collins turned provider by threading a ball through to Coburn, who timed his run, despite the protestations of Robins boss Wade Elliott, to score his second.

In the absence of Ryan Loft and John Marquis, Coburn has formed an impressive partnership with Aaron Collins. Coburn has either partnered Collins in a strike partnership or the Welshman has been deployed behind him or on the wing.

Coburn’s three goals in three matches against Cheltenham, Exeter and Wycombe Wanderers have been assisted by Aaron Collins. In fact, six of his eight strikes have been supplied by the man who is valued at £5m by Joey Barton.

“He brings so many players towards him, which leaves so much space for others,” said Coburn about Collins. “He’s so aware of his surroundings so he can slip someone in.

“He’s not a greedy striker who will try and do it all himself, he’s still got lots of goals but assists as well. He’s massively important.”

Collins has 13 goals and ten assists in his 25 games this season, making him joint top goalscorer in League One, and has the second most goal contributions in the Premier League and Football League, behind the machine-like Manchester City striker Erling Haaland.

“He’s still pretty young and I think he’s got a lot to learn,” Coburn added. But I think he’s going to be a top top player, and he already is a top top player.”