Harry Birtwistle is enjoying his time on the football pitch, with the under-21s adapting to a new system in recent weeks.
The versatile right-sider has predominantly played higher up the pitch this season, but was James Collins’ right-back on Monday evening against Leeds United. The old gold, supplemented by five first-teamers, ran out 2-0 winners and Birtwistle relished playing alongside the likes of Uruguayan defender Santiago Bueno as he produced his best display of the campaign so far.
On a strong team performance
“It was a good game and we played well. We had some senior players playing today and a few younger boys, but I feel like we played really well and like a team that had been playing together for ages.
“We stuck to the game plan and we’re playing with new tactics of the new first-team manager, but I thought we stuck to the game plan well and played a really good game.”
On pressing the opposition high
“The first half felt really good, we dominated the ball and were really good out of possession. We knew coming into the game that they were going to try and play out.
“We set up for the press, won the ball a lot, created loads of chances and we could’ve had four or five.”
On playing with some of the first-team players
“It’s great to play with more senior players. They have the quality and when I’m making the runs in behind they’re finding me.
“Today they were finding me with the ball and it was really effective so I was pleased.”
On his own performance
“I’ve been playing higher up this season at right wing. Today was my first time (this season) at right-back and I really enjoyed it with the new way we’re playing.
“I was up and down and that’s my game. I was getting balls in the box and I really enjoyed it today.”
On more of the same in the coming weeks
“We’ve got some really exciting games coming up against the likes of PSV - there’s some really good opposition.
“We’re scoring goals and it was our first clean sheet today, so we’re all pleased as the back four and goalkeeper.”
