Lee Glover: 'Attitude And Application Was Key'

Senior Professional Development Coach praises the quality his showed at both ends of the pitch

Lee Glover says that his side’s ‘attitude and application’ was their standout quality in the 2-0 victory over Rotherham United at the Training Centre in partnership with the University of Derby yesterday afternoon.

Jamie Hanson and Ivan Calero scored either side of half time to give Derby County’s Under 21s their second Final Third Development Cup win of the season.

Although Glover fielded a side entirely made up of Under 21 and Under 18 players, the Millers fielded four established Championship players in their starting 11.

The Senior Professional Development Coach says that he was ‘over the moon’ that his side kept a clean sheet and also praised the quality of the goals scored by his side at the other end of the pitch.

Speaking to dcfc.co.uk, he said: “We are over the moon with the clean sheet; we said before the game, with playing against senior professionals and with the wind conditions not being the best, that attitude and application would be key.

“The question was could we do everything right and could we play correctly, and we answered those questions. The lads played on the front foot and put in a good display.

“It was a test for our boys, we are quite fortunate that we have an Under 21 group that, we feel, we may be able to get through to the first team, so any game like that is a test and it’s great for the lads.

“The Head Coach is keen on the youth and playing them in the Under 21s to develop them.

“Occasionally, we have some first team players drop in but we had a full Under 21 squad out there and they didn’t let anyone down. They are a pleasure to work with.

“It was a great goal from Jamie; we said before that he hadn’t scored one (a free kick) this season for us. It was a great free kick and as the game went on, Ivan came more into it and scored a magnificent goal.

“He gave a one-two and then dropped his shoulder, went by someone and scored a nice left foot shot.

“It was superb. We could have got a couple more on the break and in transition and we should have tested the ‘keeper a bit more.

“That’s the second game we have won in this competition and it moves us on nicely.”

Whilst it is important to have talent, being hardworking is equally just as key a quality to have.

It is the first thing that Glover looks for in his players and he believes it is trait that will help enable him force more players through into Steve McClaren’s first team squad in the near future.

He added: “The first thing we look for is honest, hardworking lads and we have got that.

“They have got a sprinkle of talent in there as well and if you have the attitude that gives you the best chance to get forward at this club and get in our first team.

“That need that attitude to go with that talent and they have shown that and they have all got a great work ethic.

“We are hopeful that, over the next year or 18 months; we will get a few of these boys into the first team.”