Skipper hails youngsters - exclusive

Last updated : 24 November 2004 By Andy Parsons

The duo have played well recently and with the injured skipper Marsden being out of the team, the youngsters are taking on more responsibility in each game.

Republic of Ireland Under-21 captain Whelan and local lad McMahon have amassed 29 starts between them this season and have become vital members of the squad.

Marsden also believes that all the youngsters have done well this season though and advises them to keep playing at as high a level as they possibly can to retain their places in the side.

He exclusively told Footymad: "They are both good footballers. Glenn has come from Manchester City while Lewis has come through the academy here so they have been taught from an early age to pass the ball although it is not just those two youngsters who have done well, so have Paddy Collins, JP McGovern, Steve MacLean and Chris Brunt.

"But we have a very young team here and it is great to see them play and I have stated before that fans love to see young players come through."

Marsden though issued this warning: "Everyone who joined in the summer are all very good young footballers and they wouldn’t be at this club if the case was otherwise but it just depends on how much they want things in the long term and how they can adapt to what the manager wants.

"If they take on the different style, they will get a game, if they don’t, then they won’t and other people will come in but that doesn’t just apply to the youngsters, it applies to every single one of us."

In regards to the recent change of manager, Marsden thinks things are getting back on track again now with Sturrock in the post-Turner era and hopes the players continue to become accustomed to the way he wants them to play.

He added: "Paul wants a different sort of direction and a different style of play, he has a great track record in this league and he is here to prove it. I think when he gets the players that he wants and the team playing the way he wants them to then he will be proven right.

"I think it is starting to show as we are becoming a lot more direct. I think we have to get the first goal in matches like we have in recent league games and then we can settle down and play our game well."