James Collins has praised his under-21s for securing a top 10 Premier League 2 finish following Monday’s 1-1 draw with Brighton & Hove Albion.
The Old Gold closed their regular PL2 campaign with a point against the Seagulls at Aggborough and now head to Sunderland in the first round of the play-offs. Wolves also confirmed a place in next season’s International Cup as a result of finishing in the top 12, and head coach Collins believes the competition is important for the development of players.
On the 90 minutes
“We showed really good spirit and plenty of heart. They were fighting to get in the top 12 and I think the top 12 make the International Cup which we sort of knew we’d already done.
“They had a lot to play for and they came here with that focus in mind, and you could see that.
“It was a windy, horrible night so it was never going to be a beautiful game. They probably did better with possession than we did, but we looked a real threat at times when we pressed well and got the press right.
“To finish 10th in the league with 26 teams with a young group and having to supplement the first-team a lot this year, I think the boys can be proud of their finishing position. We now go into a knockout competition and we’ll see where it takes us.”
On facing Sunderland in the play-offs
“We played Sunderland here recently and I thought they were excellent. They beat us but it was close and there wasn’t a lot in the game.
“They play some really good football. They’ve changed over the last few years from being a north east hardworking team with energy, to being a really good footballing team.
“It’s a really good test for us. They’re the favourites, they finished higher in the league and that’s what they’ve earnt – a home draw.
“We’ll go there, set a gameplan and see if we can get a result. This is the stage of the season where it’s about trying to earn a result and our boys have got to learn that that’s what it’s about in knockout competitions.”
On producing players and securing International Cup football
“It’s about producing players and developing players. We’d like to be producing better players and more players to help our first-team.
“They’ve had some opportunities this year. Maybe one or two are ready, maybe one or two are not.
“They’ve all stood up to it without flying. We’d like to keep doing better, keep improving and to do that you have to play in the important games and the games that test you.
“The International Cup really tests us because we’re playing against the likes of PSG, Nice, PSV. If you’re not in it, you don’t get a chance to improve.
“It’s important to get that top 12 spot and to finish 10th has done that. From a development point of view, it was important and we did it. We can be pleased with it.”
