Young Terriers back in action on Wednesday 17 August
- Huddersfield Town B Team play Glasgow Rangers on Wednesday
- Friendly behind-closed-doors
- Centre back Loick Ayina can’t wait to lead the team!
Centre back Loick Ayina can’t wait to captain the B Team when they travel to face Glasgow Rangers on Wednesday 17 August!
Jon Worthington’s Young Terriers travel the 230 miles to face the Scottish Premiership side in a behind-closed-doors friendly.
Sitting down with htafc.com, Ayina spoke about how he found the 2022/23 pre-season.
“Honestly, I’ve finished pre-season feeling good.
“I feel fitter, and I got to go home for a bit, so I’ve come back feeling good.
“I’m happy to see my friends and coaches again.
“There are still things I think I can do better.
“That’s the benefit of pre-season though, you work out what you need to do better.
“As a squad, we’ve done well.”
As well as playing for the B Team, pre-season also saw the 19-year-old step up to play alongside the First Team.
“I played a couple of games – I’m very happy! I really enjoyed playing with the First Team.
“I made a couple of mistakes against Doncaster, but I’ve learnt from them, I’m still only young.
“Everyone in the First Team told me not to worry about it, and made me feel really welcome.
“I was really happy to play with them in pre-season - it helps me a lot.
“When you’re playing with the B Team the intensity is there, but with the First Team it’s different.
“Your concentration needs to be perfect, and you can’t afford to make any little mistakes.
“It’s really important that you get everything right.”
Looking ahead to Wednesday’s game against Rangers, the centre back commented on what he expects.
“Rangers will be a good challenge for us – they’re a good team.
“I know that we can play well, so as long as we do that, we can win.
“It’s a long journey, but we need to just be confident and do the job. I’m confident in my team.”
The game will also see Ayina wear the captain’s armband, a responsibility he can’t wait for.
“It’s a big responsibility.
“I was the captain a few times last year as well. It’s important because I need to talk more and be louder!
“I’m very happy to be trusted, it’s very important to me.”
The youngster also took the time to discuss his aims and ambitions for the season.
“To be in and around the First Team as much as possible.
“If that isn’t possible, to go on loan and get experience. Maybe in League 2 – I need the experience.
“I’m a young centre back, so I understand if I don’t play with the First Team, I know that that isn’t easy.
“If I can get that experience, then I can come back a man and play for Huddersfield Town!”
You can keep up with the action with updates on our dedicated Academy Twitter account, @htafcacademy.
