JON RUSSELL says Darrell Clarke is showing him more ‘respect’ than he has previously had at Barnsley, which is a key to his recent run of form.
The 24-year-old midfielder has mainly been a back-up player since signing in January last year, and did not start in any of the first ten league games this season, often struggling to make the bench. But he impressed Clarke during the October international break in training and has started the last four league games. Barnsley are unbeaten in those matches, with three wins, while Russell has been praised for his performances – scoring in the last two league fixtures.
Russell told the Chronicle: “He (Clarke) always said I was doing my part and training well and improving.
“He says he’s always rated me. I think maybe with the players who were playing well it was hard to fit me in. But he’s found a way now and it’s all been good.
“I am just happy to be playing and, from here, I can look forward, improve and do even better. It’s amazing to play regularly at the moment and I want to try to keep it that way.”
Russell added: “I have always been confident. I don’t think that’s the problem. But having people pushing you along helps. I am getting that now.
“Last year I didn’t get that and I didn’t really get that respect.”
Russell believes his renaissance is also down to him being used in a more attacking midfield role, which is where he mainly played in Chelsea’s youth teams before becoming a defensive midfielder at previous club Huddersfield.
“The position is the main thing. There is a lot more I can show in a higher position – creating things and being more busy. Obviously my mental state as well, and what I have done in pre-season and the off-season. I kept fit all through the summer and pushed my limits.”
Russell has a regular celebration after every goal he scores, as he appears to imitate dribbling a basketball. He said: “I started it last year. It’s a basketball celebration when they get dunked on.”
Russell’s two recent goals have been from corners, an area the Reds have improved on significantly under first team coach Conor Hourihane. Russell said: “He’s brought new ideas to our game – throw-ins and little set pieces.
“They are things to confuse the opposition and for us to win in different aspects. He’s helped us massively.”
Russell has played alongside captain Luca Connell recently but the skipper is now suspended for tomorrow’s trip to lowly Cambridge United.
“That’s what a team is for.
“Someone else can fill in. Luca is a massive part of the team but we know we can get a good result this weekend.”
Russell has not been selected in the latest Jamaica squad, but received a phonecall from Reggae Boyz manager Steve McClaren.
“He (McClaren) heard a lot of things about me. He has a friend who is a Barnsley supporter who’s told him the whole shebang. He’s shown me respect.
“Hopefully, next camp I will get picked. I think he’s seen me thriving here and wants to keep me here.
“He’s smart in the way he thinks.
“I trust him. He’s not going to ignore what he’s hearing.”
Jamaica play USA twice in this international break. Russell has two American international team-mates in Donovan Pines and Gaga Slonina.
“We’ll keep an eye on it. I will be bantering Donny and Gaga with it, whatever the result. But hopefully we win.”
