James Collins was pleased with the way his under-21s stuck together to claim a point at Nottingham Forest on Friday evening.
Wolves found themselves two goals behind inside 20 minutes but rallied together and responded through goals from Ty Barnett and Matty Whittingham to draw 2-2. Head coach Collins felt a point a piece was a fair reflection on the game and praised his two goal scorers before previewing an exciting challenge at Derby County in the EFL Trophy on Wednesday evening.
On going behind early on
“It was a slow start from us and we’ve actually started games really well this year – it’s been a strength of our game.
“We started really slowly and they started really quickly. They were on the front foot and picked up a lot of second balls.
“To find ourselves 2-0 down in the short space of time was, at the time, a worry. I thought we dug in, stabilised the game and made a couple of little tweaks to the system.
“Ty got us a goal, a really good goal from nothing. He created it himself with some good play and then at 2-1 we had something to hang onto.
“In the second half we controlled the game and deserved the equaliser. We had control but maybe didn’t show that killer instinct to get the win, but I think it’s a good point.”
On showing spirit to come from behind
“They’re a good group in that way. I thought our performance against Southampton was outstanding, so our boys have got to realise that they’re (Nottingham Forest) going to watch that and analyse that.
“We saw when we saw their teamsheet that they’ll have changed their shape and that was to stop our tens getting on the ball.
“We probably came here, because we’d done so well on Monday, thinking we’d just have to turn up, play well and be alright – we got caught out.
“What was really good, after getting caught out, was we didn’t point fingers and the players stuck together. We’ve talked about teamship and showing that at under-21 level because that’s what you need at under-21 level. The boys showed that today.”
On Ty Barnett’s return and goal
“Ty’s come back and he’s a really talented boy that has had a tough time with injuries, he’s desperate to get back going.
“His talent’s there, his talent’s unquestionable. The goal he scored tonight – I don’t have to coach him that. That isn’t part of our plan and I know he’ll do that. If he plays 10 games of 90 minutes he’ll do that three or four times because his talent is there.
“What he has to do is make sure he gets on the pitch and stays on the pitch by doing the work off the ball, working for the team and making good decisions. I thought he did that really well tonight.
“The goal is his icing on the cake and that’s the bit he’ll enjoy. The bit I enjoy was seeing him work, screen, press and work for the team.”
On Matty Whittingham getting his reward
“Matty’s been excellent all season. Those midfield players at times don’t get the rewards because they don’t get all the goals and they don’t get all the glory, but he’s been excellent for us since he’s come in.
“He’s a real quiet, unassuming character that is improving week by week. We have to look after him physically because he’s still got loads of physical development to come and he’s probably played as many games now on the trot for a few years.
“He adds real class to our group and team. It was a terrific finish and a terrific goal so if he can add that to his game, then that’s a great achievement for him.”
On facing Derby County in the EFL Trophy on Wednesday
“I was a Derby County season ticket holder when I was a young lad. I’ve never coached at Pride Park. I’ve coached at many stadiums but not Pride Park, so it will be a big night for me.
“It’s only a good night if you go there and put on a good performance. It will probably be one of our toughest games of the season.
“Derby play really strong players in this competition and they take it seriously. I think Paul Warne has won it with Rotherham in the past and he takes it seriously.
“They have a big squad so it won’t be a group of Derby County’s under-21s, it’ll be a group of Derby County’s first-team or first-team fringe players.
“We will have to be at our very best to get anything out of the game, but what a challenge that is for us and what an occasion it is for us.
“We’ll go there and give it our best shot. The big thing is we’ll learn something about our players which is what we’re trying to do every time we take them on the pitch.”
