An education at the school of hard knocks prepared young defender Jack Currie for his eye-catching performance at the weekend.
A sponsors’ man-of-the-match award and inclusion in the Sky Bet League Two team of the weekend didn’t come easy for our Academy graduate.
“I’ve had a few concussions,” said Jack. “I think in my first year with the under-18s, I fractured my back unfortunately, meaning I was out for the whole year. Obviously, that took its toll, but I always knew where I wanted to get to.
“Last weekend was the dream I’ve been thinking about for years now. It was a great opportunity to be given that chance and to make it work. It’s been surreal! Basically, it was everything I could ever want from a league debut – clean sheet, three points, a very good team performance, and a little goal on top!”
As well as the support and encouragement of his team-mates, coaches and managers at the club over the years, Jack has also been learning from a former Premier League midfielder, who amassed hundreds of appearances at the top-level with Tottenham.
“David Howells is someone that I’ve been doing one-on-one sessions with and talking to for a few years now,” said Jack. “He’s been there and done that, so he knows his stuff. I think, for me, it’s just about learning all I can off him and trying to impose my own game as well to become the best I can be.”
Having deservedly taken the plaudits on Saturday night, Jack is now focused on the trip to Hartlepool United this weekend.
“Saturday evening was incredible," said Jack. “I felt on top of the world, but we’re going to be playing games thick and fast. The main thing is that we stay locked in and focused. We know what to do now and how to win. It’s just about maintaining form and staying hungry, and so that we keep pushing.
“I want to score as many as I can. Collectively, and most importantly, we know how the gaffer and Skivo want us to play - that’s to be direct and get goals. They really encourage us wing-backs to get in the box, get on the end of things, and just enjoy our football. I think that’s what everyone in the squad is doing – we’re really enjoying our time.
“We know we’ve got a job ahead, but we’re very confident in ourselves and whatever the management ask us to do – we know how to impose it.”
Pic credit: Ian Stephen (Pro Sports Images).
You can see the full interview with Jack back on the training pitch, via the link to our official YouTube channel below.