Under-21s aim to go top of PL2 on Friday night

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Albion face Derby in Premier League 2 on Friday night.

Charlie Hanson

2024-10-25T06:00+01:00

The under-21s will be aiming to go top of Premier League 2 on Friday night. 📷 by Paul Hazlewood.

Men's under-21s skipper Ruairi McConville has said his team aren’t feeling any nervous energy ahead of Friday's Premier League 2 game against Derby County on Friday, despite knowing a win could put them top of the table.

Ruairi, the under-21s have been in excellent form so far this season. What do you put that down to?

“We’re on a high, and tonight we have a chance to go top of the league. Hopefully we can get the win we want and keep building on our good performances.

“We're all on the same page. We need the whole squad as we’re playing two games a week. There are going to be times when people aren't happy that they're not playing but of course we need players off the bench.

“It’s so early on but want to be as high as we can at every stage of the season. If we can go top of the table now it's brilliant for us. We'll hopefully just keep building on that.”

In the league you’ve only conceded three goals in six games. How proud are you of that record?

The under-21s have kept eight clean sheets in all competitions so far this campaign. 📷 by Paul Hazlewood.

“We've developed what we’re calling a cleansheet mentality. We've had maybe seven or eight clean sheets across all competitions already this season.

“We try and use those EFL Trophy experiences and bring them into the PL2 games, because there are opponents in the PL2 that play like a League One or League Two team.

The under-21s and under-18s have had a fantastic start to the season. Would you say there’s a positive mood across the academy at the moment?

“There’s real excitement, everyone wants to do well. Everyone's seeing the opportunities you can get if you do well. It's important that we all train well, play well and, and who knows who's going to be the next person to make the step up.

"The managers are always watching our game. So we know that if we're needed we have to be in the best shape. Playing our best football means we could get that opportunity."

You didn’t have an ideal start to the season as you picked up an injury, but since you returned to the team it’s as if you had a full pre-season under your belt. You must be pleased to have found this form so quickly?

The men's under-21s have won four of their opening six Premier League 2 matches so far this campaign. 📷 by Paul Hazlewood.

“I'll give myself a bit of credit. I've worked hard to get back and try and get into the team. But it's the team that has helped me get into this position as well. I've been eased back in and there's been times where I haven't been on it and they've helped me get to where I want to be.

“It's a whole team effort. I'm proud to be back playing and hopefully I can keep building.”

You must also be benefitting from the first team experience players like Ed Turns have had while out on loan?

“We speak to Ed all the time and even when you're on the pitch with him he's always giving you little details to help you and help the team.

“It's great to have that experience in the team and it's only a good thing for us because we're going to need all sides of the game to help us get to where we want to be.”

And finally, what are your aims for the rest of the season?

“The ultimate aim for anyone in the under-21s is to get into the first team. But for me now it’s to stay fit, to keep playing, to stay in the team and be there when I'm needed. If a loan happens I need to try and progress and get to the next level.”