‘We’re up for the fight’

THE players in Bristol Rovers’ defence may be young, but Bobby Thomas says they are always up for the fight and the fruits of their hard work are starting to show, writes Sam Frost.

The Pirates have conceded too many goals for their liking this season, shipping 33 in 19 League One games, but there have been some signs of improvement of late.

Colchester managed to score with their one and only shot on target in Wednesday’s 2-1 EFL Trophy win for Rovers, and Joey Barton’s side were able to keep the free-scoring attack of Peterborough quiet with a clean sheet at the weekend.

Barton has previously discussed his preference for having young defenders because of their athleticism and malleability, and it shows in the makeup of his squad. Alfie Kilgour, aged 24, is the oldest centre-back, with Thomas, James Connolly – both aged 21 – and 22-year-old Lewis Gibson emerging as the first-choice back three.

When signing on loan from Burnley on deadline day, Thomas, pictured, may have expected to be playing alongside more seasoned defenders, but he believes Rovers’ youthful defence brings great benefits when coupled with proven performances in front and behind in the shape of Sam Finley, Paul Coutts, James Belshaw et al.

“It’s good us all being young because we can all move and we’re all learning together,” he said. “To go on the journey together is good, developing together. With us being such a young backline, teams look at us and try to target us. They’ll say ‘Stick it on them, they’re only young’, but we’re up for the fight and it’s showing.

“It’s a good mix in the squad and it’s about getting used to playing with different players, like Jordan (Rossiter) who is always winning the ball back, or Belly (James Belshaw) sweeping up everything that goes over your head, and Sam (Finley) gets the ball down and gets us rolling.

“When Couttsy comes back, he’s similar to Sam in that he can do the dirty work and get on the ball as well. When everyone’s fit and we’re all playing, it’s a nice setup we’ve got.”

Rovers are in FA Cup action again tomorrow, hosting National League side Boreham Wood at the Mem.

“We’re looking forward to the FA Cup” Thomas added. “Anything can happen, though. Boreham Wood are no mugs.”