Under-18s head coach Richard Walker has been pleased with the ‘productive’ last couple of weeks without a competitive fixture.
The youngsters return to U18 Premier League action away to Middlesbrough on Saturday morning, and Walker has spoken on the work he and his staff have been able to do with the players from a development point of view. Walker has also praised Lewys Benjamin following an impressive display for the under-21s against Hertha Berlin last week, while also previewing the game at Boro – a team who defeated Wolves at Compton Park earlier in the season.
On how the weeks without a game have been spent
“From a coaches point of view it’s been a really good period. We’ve managed to get some tactical work in and some really good development work in with the players.
“Whilst there’s always that desire to have the games and that momentum when it’s up and running, it’s good to get that little period where you can get the group to get some good work is.
“In amongst that we also had a behind-closed-doors friendly which was a good exercise and almost an extension of training and the work we’d done.
“It’s been a productive couple of weeks, we’ve enjoyed the work we’ve got in and we look to take that into the game on Saturday against Middlesbrough.”
On the intensity in training
“We mixed up how training looks. We’ve had plenty of small unit work utilising all of the staff and making sure we get that development work in whilst ensuring there’s some tactical work within that.
“The players have responded well and trained hard. There’s been a really good intensity to it and we put the emphasis on the intensity of how we’re working and training to make sure they’re at peak fitness levels when we go into back-to-back games.”
On Lewys Benjamin’s performance for the under-21s
“It was a testing situation for him. As a sub goalkeeper, the percentages suggest that you are unlikely to get on.
“It’s a testament to his professionalism and his mindset that he was ready to go on. It was very early in the game, a freezing night and over 100 Hertha Berlin fans behind the goal making a fair bit of noise.
“He stood up to that, had a really good game and made some really good saves – one in particular was outstanding and of the highest order.”
On travelling to Middlesbrough
“We’re looking forward to it. They beat us here earlier in the season and are a hardworking, combative and direct in their play.
“We’ve got to make sure we strike the right balance between that side of the game but then also having the bravery to play.
“I’m confident we can put in a good performance and fingers crossed we can come back with the points.”
