Our men’s under-21s goalkeeper Killian Cahill has been delighted to get a run of games for Shannon Ruth’s team.
His spell between the sticks continued on Monday when he pulled off a number of impressive saves in the 2-2 draw against PSV Eindhoven in the Premier League international Cup.
The game was an 11th unbeaten against fellow academy sides for Albion and the 19-year-old wants to carry on his form to help his team make it 12 on the bounce against QPR in the Premier League Cup tonight (7pm).
“It’s been really good, I feel like the past few months I have been really progressing and performing which is important. For any player it’s massive to be playing games, translating the things you do in training into a match environment.
“I get a buzz from keeping clean sheets, making saves and helping the team. I'm really happy to be playing in this recent period.
“[Under-21s goalkeeping coach] Sal Bibbo has been unbelievable, from the moment I got here. I was with the under-18s when I first joined but most weeks I’d be training with the under-21s with Sal. This season I’ve been with him full time and I feel like I’ve really progressed, I built that platform in pre-season. He’s given me confidence and helped me in a lot of aspects that will hopefully make me a Premier League goalkeeper one day.
“Shannon Ruth is a former goalkeeper coach, so he has an understanding of how you might be feeling and thinking. It makes it a really good dynamic, especially from a goalkeeper's perspective.
“Some managers see it that they’re in charge of the ten outfield players and the goalkeeping coach looks after the keepers, but with Shannon he sees us as one team and the goalkeepers are massive in that.”
The Irishman has had to be content with a place on the bench at stages this season, but has found joy in challenging himself against fellow stopper James Beadle.
“It’s not ideal being on the bench, but the main thing is about using it as a way of working harder and finding ways to improve. I need to be closer to the levels James is at with some things and the things I am better at I need to say ahead of him.
“I look at it like a boxing match, it’s a different dynamic because you’re an individual who needs to focus on yourself, but I see it as a good and competitive relationship that will get the most out of me.
“We get on, I really like working with him. We’re both incredibly competitive. We will always give 100 per cent, there’s a good mutual respect.”