Kerr Focused On Training Hard

Brighton & Hove Albion under-23 defender Josh Kerr highlighted the benefits of having a training camp abroad ahead of the new season, as the Scotsman reflected on the team’s opening day in Portugal.

The Seagulls were put through two sessions on Monday, and Kerr is relishing the week ahead, as Simon Rusk’s team prepare for their first season in the top flight of under-23 football.

He said, “It was a good first day. It was actually a little easier than most of us thought it would be, because usually when we come away it’s about adjusting to the heat, but it’s actually been hotter in England.

“It was an introduction session. We got rid of the cobwebs from travelling, so now I expect things to get cranked up even more for the remaining days.

“The training sessions are going to be tough either way, but it’s nice to get away and have a change of scenery.

“It takes your mind off everything back home, and you can just focus on having a few good days of training.”

Kerr made nine league appearances for Albion during their promotion-winning campaign, and the 20-year-old commented on the importance of keeping the togetherness of the team intact.

“The team bonding is always a big part. We’ve got a lot of new faces, with players coming up from the under-18s and some new lads coming in from elsewhere.

“It’s a mixed group but these kind of trips are designed to get everyone together, as we get prepared for the new season.

“The team is very high in confidence after last season. We’ve shown that when we put our minds together, we can be a really good team.

“A few boys have moved on, but there’s a big chunk of players that are still here from last season. What we achieved is still fresh in our minds.”

Albion will come up against the likes of Manchester City, Chelsea and Arsenal in the Premier League 2 Division 1 next season, and Kerr is focused on playing his part for Rusk’s top-flight newcomers.

“Everybody wants to play against the best teams, no matter what age group you’re playing in - you want to play against the best and compete with them every week.

“I’m going to see how the first few games of pre-season go, but I’m focused on securing a spot in this team. I want to play as much as I can and I’ll continue doing my job for the team.”