Rusk ready to return to action

Coach Simon Rusk will be looking for Albion under-23s to continue the progress they have already shown this season when the Premier League 2 campaign resumes tonight.

Bruce Talbot

2020-01-06T10:50:00Z

Albion under-23 coach Simon Rusk

Albion head north to take on Blackburn Rovers at the Lancashire FA ground in Leyland (7pm) lying fifth in the table, with their hosts in 10th place, although Rovers did win a thrilling game at the Amex 5-3 when the teams met earlier in the season despite goals from Max Sanders, Taylor Richards and Bojan Radulovic.

Rusk said, “I could name a dozen players who have gone on loan to various clubs this season and this has meant we’ve had a younger group in the under-23s.

“But despite this we have still managed to maintain our League form and been competitive in all our games – and we have seen improvement in a lot of individual players which is the most important thing.

Albion under-23s' coach Simon Rusk.

“That is my job – to develop individuals who one day can be part of the first-team environment like Steven Alzate and Aaron Connolly while striving to do well in every game.

“They will all be looking to put themselves in the shop window, whether that’s to break into the first-team squad or go out on loan, but they have to maintain their performance levels in the under-23s.”

It will be the under-23s first game since they drew 0-0 with Valencia in the International Cup on 18th December. “They had a little break but they have been back for a while and preparing for what I’m sure will be a difficult game against Blackburn,” added Rusk.