WITH 110 games under his belt Danny Haynes may be a senior Blues player but he admits to still being a big kid when it comes to Christmas.

Derek Davis

WITH 110 games under his belt Danny Haynes may be a senior Blues player but he admits to still being a big kid when it comes to Christmas.

He may not believe in Father Christmas, but Haynes loves the festive season, especially as it usually coincides with him getting regular football.

This time last year he started a run of nine starts in 10 games, scoring at Coventry and then Blackpool

“I'm still a big kid really and I love Christmas. I'm only 20 so I enjoy that and I can't wait for Christmas and I can't wait to be back playing because I love playing.

“I enjoy this time of year because it seems every year since I have been at the club I get a good run at Christmas time and so all I can do is be ready for when the manager calls.”

While the team pack the games in over the festive period it is also party time with the first team squad, minus manager and staff, heading off straight after the game for their Christmas party in Dublin and Haynes is looking forward to the craic.

He said: “It is a good bonding exercise and it is good fun to have all the lads together.

“It is a mixed group with ages, the average is about 25 but we all get one. We get over the age thing easily, for example I can have good chat with Bam Bam about most things and can have a laugh with Brucey.

“The only thing is I'm trying to get the lads into my music thing, but they are just not having it at all.”

Even with so many games under his belt Haynes admits to still enjoying the fame game and mixing with fans.

He said: “The more senior players might find it annoying, but for us young lads we have not experienced it too much so it is still fun. It is nice when people occasionally recognise you and come up and talk to you and I have got time for everyone that does that.”

With Town at home on Boxing Day the schedule allows for a bit more family time than usual and that suits Haynes who has been missing his home comforts.

He said: “The fixtures have been a result for us so I will try and get a couple of days in London with my mum for a change as we usually play away Christmas time.”

Of course the ideal present for Haynes who turns 21 next month would be a start and goal, just like last year.