James Collins has emphasised the importance of his under-21s getting used to playing in local derbies.
Wolves under-21s host West Bromwich Albion at the New Bucks Head on Monday evening, as the local rivals go head-to-head in Premier League 2. Head coach Collins has offered his reflections on a 3-3 draw with Manchester City last weekend, his previous battles with West Brom and the magnitude of Monday’s game, even at under-21 level.
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On Man City last weekend
“It was disappointing because when you’re 3-1 up against anyone away from home in the 90th minute, you should win the game.
“I thought the game was quite even and we had some brilliant chances and could’ve scored five or six. They caused us problems as well and looked like scoring, so it was that sort of game.
“It was disappointing to come out with a draw when the game’s there for the taking, but we have to be pleased with major parts of our performance.”
On derby games
“They’re always good games, any games where you add a bit of spice to it are. Whether that’s next week in the International Cup quarter-final or Man City last week.
“Playing a local derby is exciting and I think the recent first-team fixture sparks that up a bit as well.
“Our players realise how big of a game it is. In academy football it’s played down a little bit, but local derbies are important.
“When they’re in their careers, they’ll have to play in local derbies and handle the different type of game it is. This is a good experience for that.”
On West Brom and previous encounters
“I know Bealey (Richard Beale) well and they’re always well-organised, always play decent football.
“We’ve had them in the Premier League Cup final where I thought we played very well and lost on penalties and we beat them a couple of times in the league around that time.
“We’ve had some good days against them and bad days against them. They’re always hard to beat.
“They’ll be difficult to break through and we’ll have to be at our very best to win the game.”
On the form of the team
“We’ve had some terrific results, I think we’ve only lost one game since Christmas which was Bournemouth away.
“The boys responded brilliantly to that beating Norwich and Arsenal, drew with Man City, so some really good results.
“As always, there are moments in some of those performances where we can do better. The boys are on an upward trajectory playing well, enjoying their football and learning – that’s the main thing.”
