'Ruth lets us express ourselves'

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Albion take on Saints in Premier League 2 on Friday.

Charlie Hanson

2024-11-01T06:00+00:00

Marcus Ifill has scored two goals in seven Premier League 2 appearances so far this season. 📷 by Paul Hazlewood.

Marcus Ifill will be hoping to play his part when our under-21s aim to return to the top of Premier League 2 on Friday when they travel to Southampton.

Marcus, the under-21s have been in good form and are second in Premier League 2. Why do you think that is?

I would say the whole group is in a good moment, but we have to stay in a good moment. We’re all working hard for each other, because we're as close as we are on the pitch as we are off it.

“There's a good spirit and a good vibe in the group and we all work hard for each other because that's what we expect from each other.”

Albion could go top of Premier League 2 with a win over Southampton on Friday, depending on Manchester City's result against Norwich. 📷 by Paul Hazlewood.

You’ve had a terrific season so far with three goals and four assists. What’s been behind this run of form?

“I would say it's all about mentality from where I was the past two years to now. I am just trying to be the best version of myself and exceeding what I want to do.

“I’ve changed the things I'm doing on and off the pitch, listening to the coaches and the way they want me to play and letting me express myself, which Shan [Ruth] lets us attackers do.

“I would say it's been a difficult two years for me personally, but I thought as it's the last year in my contract I need to put everything into it and not let it go to waste.”

How has Shannon Ruth helped you?

The forward joined Albion from Swindon Town in 2020. 📷 by Paul Hazlewood.

"He lets us express ourselves as attackers and does not restrict to us to one way of how to play as a front four or a three.

“He shows that belief in you and you feel calm, you just want to do the best for him. He's more like a dad to us because we're away from our families. That's one reason why the whole group works hard as well.

“We don't just get comfortable while we're in a good moment because Gary [Dicker] pushes us and he keeps us on our toes. He makes sure we don't get complacent.”

Like a lot of the under-21s, you’ve had the chance to train with the first team. What was that like?

Marcus Ifill has made 26 Premier League 2 appearances for Albion. 📷 by Paul Hazlewood.

“I've had more opportunities this season than I've had combined over the past two years. But there's a big difference between under-21s and the first team. How they move the ball, how they are as a group, how they work together is something you don't get to see very often. It's more intense. You have to get used to it and adapt to it really quickly.

“But I think it's a good thing for all of us because we're having a sniff of what's there to come for us potentially in the future. It's good training because it shows what level we need to get to.”

Who impresses you the most when you go over there?

“Danny Welbeck. His leadership within the group when I'm over there – he doesn't let you off lightly, but if you do someone good he's going to praise you for it. Everyone listens to him on the first team side because of his experiences.

“Evan [Ferguson] is one of my best mates here, but seeing how well he's doing, you want to see what he's doing to try and make yourself better and even if you don't make it in that environment, you can use it for whatever future you might have in the game.”