Having made a welcome return to action after overcoming a serious and lengthy hamstring injury, Robertson scored a marvellous brace last weekend as our Under-23s returned to action with a fine 6-0 win over Arsenal.
Saturday’s latest clash at home to a talented Brighton proved a challenge of a different order with the Seagulls taking an early lead and City having to show our character as well as our quality in summoning up a second half fightback.
Robertson caught the eye once again, with the 20-year-old’s early second half strike getting City back on level terms before Carlos Borges‘s late goal saw us claim another vital three points.
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And for a delighted Barry-Murphy it was no less than Robertson deserved and served as the latest illustration of his technical quality and mental strength.
“I’m very pleased for Alex as I know the amount of work that he has had to put into getting fit,” the EDS head coach reflected.
“I know when you come back from such a serious injury the doubts that can be there in your mind.
“For me it’s very clear about his technical ability and that what he can do is of the very highest level.
“It’s purely physical in terms of how quickly get up to speed and then we’ll look to push him to be a box-to-box midfielder and someone who can cover every blade of grass.
“I think when you are a slightly older player coming back into the group you maybe feel that you have to perform and put that pressure on yourself.
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“I sensed that with both James McAtee and Liam Delap last term.
“And Alex will probably feel that way too, so to add such value to the group with his performance and the goal will give a real sense of satisfaction and also increase that bond within the group.”
The win over a talented Brighton cemented what has been a superb start to 2023 for our EDS youngsters coming on the back of last weekend’s magnificent 6-0 win over Arsenal.
It also ensured we remain top of PL2 with City a point clear of Chelsea and Arsenal.
But rather than rest on our laurels, as far as Barry-Murphy is concerned he wants to see even more from his young charges with tough away games at Leicester and Crystal Palace next in store.
“We will ask for more,” Barry-Murphy asserted.
“Our players were challenging themselves ‘can we produce another performance on the back of last weekend’ and we did.
“But the element of challenge is constantly there within our team.”
