French connection suiting United and Lacroix perfectly

The French goalkeeper has marked his first two appearances for the Sky Blues by keeping two clean sheets.

He followed up an eye-catching debut at Ards on New Year’s Day with another solid performance in the weekend win over Ballinamallard.

“It’s a good start.

“It’s exciting for me to play for Ballymena and I’m doing well so I’m pleased.

“Stephen Baxter wants me to go back to Crusaders at the end of January but I will try and speak to him because I’m really enjoying it at Ballymena.

“It would be difficult going back to Crusaders to play in the reserves but I don’t want to speak too much about Crusaders at the minute as I’m focused on what I’m doing at Ballymena and I would like to stay until the end of the season.

“Other clubs have asked for me to go to them on loan but Stephen said no - I don’t know why he said yes to Ballymena but it has been good for me, even if it’s only for a month, but I will try to speak to him and see if I can stay longer.

“It was a bit frustrating not to get the chance to play in the last six months so I’ve got a lot of energy and a lot of desire to play and to do well.

“I’m enjoying playing in a good team under a good coach.

“There is a great atmosphere. I’ve trained a couple of times and played two games already.

“I was surprised at the quality within the team.

“Ballymena play very good football, Crusaders have a more direct style but against Ballinamallard we played very well, especially in the first half, even though the pitch was very difficult.

“I was very impressed with the back four, very good communication, really solid and they have made the job easy for me.”

Lacroix is likely to find himself back on the sidelines again this weekend, with Ballymena and Crusaders having agreed that he won’t play in the Irish Cup tie against Harland & Wolff Welders, to prevent him from being ‘cup-tied’ in the event of Crusaders needing to use him later in the competition.

Nevertheless, Yohann hasn’t given up on changing his manager’s mind and being available for selection for United.

“I would love to play in the Irish Cup when I’m here to play at Ballymena - it’s maybe a bit unfair to be on loan but not able to play in certain games.

“But I will have a chat with Stephen and see what happens,” added Lacroix.