Andrew Crofts' Premier League and EFL experience is proving to be of huge value to the Under-23s, according to striker Danny Cashman.
The 20-year-old has scored three times in his last two Premier League 2 outings, and says his form is down to the culture that Crofts and fellow coach Shannon Ruth have brought.
“It's been great working with them. They put you at ease, but at the same time it's very full on and we know the standards they demand from us. I played with Crofty before and he wanted the highest levels from us as team-mates, but also knew part of that was bringing the best out of as people.
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“Since they took over we've had some really good performances and in the back-to-back wins [against Southampton and Derby County] things have really come together.”
Crofts has played across the top five tiers of English football, something that Cashman believes can only help his former teammate in his coaching career.
“He has been there and done it. If we were 1-0 up or 1-0 down, he knew how to manage that situation and he is taking that into his coaching.”
Cashman says he and the players have not had a problem adapting to their former colleague's new role.
“It's not been too strange. When they started we that it might be awkward but Crofty and Shannon are approachable and that has created a really positive environment.
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“He has helped me a lot as an individual, especially on my reaction to if we lose the ball. It’s about getting back into position and helping the team as quickly as I can and not showing a negative reaction, it’s about that quick positive reaction.”
The Under-23s play their final match of the PL2 season tomorrow when they take on Everton, kick off 12pm at Southport FC.
“I want to get a few more goals and assists before the end of the season,” said Cashman. “I have high expectations of myself, but I am pleased to have found my form in recent games.”