Mullins: Togetherness the key to under-21s success

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Under-21s take on Dinamo Zagreb tonight in International Cup.

Charlie Hanson

2024-01-17T06:00:00Z

Jamie Mullins joined Albion in January 2023 from Bohemians.

Jamie Mullins believes Albion Under-21s are enjoying a fine campaign because of the way the group has pulled together.

Shannon Ruth’s team have reached the quarter-finals of the Bristol Street Motors Trophy, sit fifth in Premier League 2 and are through to the knockout stages of the Premier League International Cup. They face Dinamo Zagreb in their final group match on Wednesday.

Republic of Ireland Under-19 international Mullins puts that down to the close-knit nature of the group.

“It comes from the dressing room,” Jamie said. “We get on and I don’t think there are any bad eggs in the squad. Everyone is pushing for each other whether they start or not. The lads on the bench don’t sulk, they get on with it and I think that’s really helped us on the pitch.

Jamie Mullins alongside fellow Irishman Mark O'Mahony.

“We had to show we can stick together when we played men’s teams like Reading. We have had a lot of clean sheets in different competitions.

“We also have a bit more confidence because of past results. We have good and bad days like any team, but overall we’re maintaining a decent level and when we do suffer a setback we know we can get back to the standards we’re capable of reaching.

“When things are going well we don’t get complacent, we keep applying ourselves in whatever we’re doing.”

The attacking midfielder goes into Wednesday night’s game at the Amex Elite Football Performance Centre having made 13 under-21 appearances in all competitions and Albion have won nine of those matches.

“I had a couple of injuries at the end of last season, but during the last few months I have had a good run in the team and I feel comfortable,” he added. “I am enjoying my football, I’m happy and I feel I can look after myself in games a lot better.

“I’ve always been a player who likes to be involved in the build-up as well as getting goals and assists.

“I’ve put in a few good performances this season that haven’t necessarily resulted in a goal or an assist, but now I am starting to get those which is important for players who play high up the pitch. I want to score and make goals for the team.”

Albion will finish top of Group B with a win over Zagreb and Mullins has thoroughly enjoyed facing European opposition.

“The International Cup matches are games that you look forward to, they have a little bit extra on them.

“They’ve been very exciting and it’s good when you have different cultures, styles and philosophies going up against each other.

“The Valencia game got heated, but it was an enjoyable experience. You want to be involved against teams from different countries and test yourself against the best.”