Wayne previews Crawley test

Wayne Burnett highlighted the challenges facing our Development Squad as they prepare for their Checkatrade Trophy opener away to Crawley Town tonight (7.45pm).

We took part in the competition for the first time last season and Under-23s Coach Wayne believes that experience will stand us in good stead as we take on Crawley, Gillingham and Portsmouth this time around.

“Last year was invaluable for the players,” he said ahead of this evening’s match at the Broadfield Stadium. “It gave them experience of difference types of football and they had to come up with different solutions to problems that were put in front of them. A lot of them hadn’t played against a senior men’s team or some of the styles of football that we encountered before so they were having to problem solve, which was a good thing.

“We know these are going to be difficult games because they are going to be more experienced and more physical than we’re used to. It’s going to be a challenge but one that our players will certainly try to overcome. They need to experience different players and styles and it can only enhance them as young players and individuals.”

Mid-table in League Two, Crawley lost manager Harry Kewell to Notts County ahead of Saturday’s 2-1 defeat at Oldham but Wayne expects them to continue to play the type of attractive football that the former Liverpool midfielder instilled at the club.

“Crawley have got some talented players and they’ve had a reasonable start in the league,” he said. “They were defeated on Saturday but had some good results before that. I went to watch them recently and they play decent football. I think it will be an entertaining game and one we are looking forward to. Our players will relish testing themselves against that type of opposition.”

The competition may be uncharted territory for most of our young players but Wayne still expects them to display confidence in their ability and believe in our philosophy during the three group matches.

“There will be a physical element to this competition but we won’t come away from our identity,” he said. “We’ll still try to dominate possession and take control of the game. It will be tough as it will be a more physical game and we will have to overcome that. The minimum requirement is that we are competitive. Hopefully, we get a good collective performance and the players come out with credit.”