Hinchy: I have to step up to the plate as captain

Jack Hinchy says with a number of under-21s going out on loan it’s down to players like him to show their leadership qualities.

The 20-year-old has been given the captain’s armband after a prolonged period out with a hamstring injury, as he looks to help Shannon Ruth’s team climb back up the Premier League 2 table, starting away to Tottenham Hotspur today.

“It was a long time out, but I am happy to be back out on the pitch. I’ve had a couple of starts now so I want to help the team get back up the table and get some more points on the board.

“I feel completely back to where I was before so that’s a credit to the physio team. I feel mentally I am in the same place as I was before the injury and I have no concerns.

“With a couple of the lads going out on loan it opens the door and I feel like I bring good leadership to the team. It’s good that Shannon [Ruth] has shown that faith in me to captain the team.

“I’ve been in the under-21s squad for quite a long time now and I feel like I should step up to the plate as a leader.”

The players going out on loan has changed the dynamic of the group, according to Hinchy.

“It’s almost like a new team. People who maybe didn’t have as many minutes earlier on in the season are now getting that opportunity, you have to build up those relationships to get onto the same wave length.

“I want us to finish top six in Premier League 2, if not top four if we can go on a good run in the next few games. On a personal note, I’d love to get the opportunity with the first team, maybe even get on the bench for a game. That’s the goal at the moment.”

Hinchy made his senior debut for us back in August, in our 3-0 win over Forest Green Rovers.

“It was a dream come true. It’s what you aim for but for me it was only the start. I am hopeful for more opportunities like that in the future.”