Nathan Jones singled out two of Brighton & Hove Albion’s fringe players after the 3-0 win over Charlton Athletic at the Amex yesterday – underlining the importance of the squad in the final four matches of the season.
The Seagulls assistant head coach paid tribute to the professionalism of both back-up keeper Casper Ankergren – who came in for his first Championship start of the season and kept a clean sheet – and also right-back Inigo Calderon.
Jones explained, “Tomasz Kuszczak was not feeling very well but we are confident in all three of our goalkeepers so we knew it wasn't going to be a massive problem for us.
“They all compete with one another every day in training and work so hard as a trio. The three of them have an unbelievable rapport, when you consider they are all fighting for just one place.
“Ironically Casper has played two games this season against Charlton’s under-21s – most recently the week before last and he did fantastically well in that game. So that had something to do with him getting the nod over Pete and we were very pleased for him.”
Calderon was back on the bench, having played the last two matches at Barnsley and Leicester, during Bruno Saltor’s two-game suspension, and Jones praised the full-back’s superb attitude.
“Calde was unfortunate after an outstanding performance on Tuesday and across the two games that he filled in – but Bruno is a fantastic player who we have a lot of faith in. We felt that we would get a lot of possession at home, Bruno is one of the best players in this league in possession of the ball.
“Calde is an outstanding professional and one who is well loved at the club and we know it was difficult on him, but he took it very well and he was as bright as a button when he came on and that is Inigo all the way through.
“The squad has shown against Charlton and away at Leicester that we have been in decent form but we will need everyone so that we have options.
“Hopefully we will get Andrea Orlandi and Will Buckley back for some part of the remainder of the season. We don’t want to rush them as they have had little injuries but it is a squad game so we need everyone.”
Meanwhile Jones also praised the blossoming understanding between Leo Ulloa and Jesse Lingard, adding, “Leo and Jesse are two good players and the way that they go about their work good players will develop an understanding.
“Jesse is used to playing with very good players and Leo is a very good player so we are hopeful they can push on from this and continue to produce the form they have shown in the last week.”
Original article
The Seagulls assistant head coach paid tribute to the professionalism of both back-up keeper Casper Ankergren – who came in for his first Championship start of the season and kept a clean sheet – and also right-back Inigo Calderon.
Jones explained, “Tomasz Kuszczak was not feeling very well but we are confident in all three of our goalkeepers so we knew it wasn't going to be a massive problem for us.
“They all compete with one another every day in training and work so hard as a trio. The three of them have an unbelievable rapport, when you consider they are all fighting for just one place.
“Ironically Casper has played two games this season against Charlton’s under-21s – most recently the week before last and he did fantastically well in that game. So that had something to do with him getting the nod over Pete and we were very pleased for him.”
Calderon was back on the bench, having played the last two matches at Barnsley and Leicester, during Bruno Saltor’s two-game suspension, and Jones praised the full-back’s superb attitude.
“Calde was unfortunate after an outstanding performance on Tuesday and across the two games that he filled in – but Bruno is a fantastic player who we have a lot of faith in. We felt that we would get a lot of possession at home, Bruno is one of the best players in this league in possession of the ball.
“Calde is an outstanding professional and one who is well loved at the club and we know it was difficult on him, but he took it very well and he was as bright as a button when he came on and that is Inigo all the way through.
“The squad has shown against Charlton and away at Leicester that we have been in decent form but we will need everyone so that we have options.
“Hopefully we will get Andrea Orlandi and Will Buckley back for some part of the remainder of the season. We don’t want to rush them as they have had little injuries but it is a squad game so we need everyone.”
Meanwhile Jones also praised the blossoming understanding between Leo Ulloa and Jesse Lingard, adding, “Leo and Jesse are two good players and the way that they go about their work good players will develop an understanding.
“Jesse is used to playing with very good players and Leo is a very good player so we are hopeful they can push on from this and continue to produce the form they have shown in the last week.”
Original article