Fleetwood Town head coach Joey Barton watched his side beat Oldham Athletic 5-2 on Wednesday night to reach the knockout stages of the Leasing.com Trophy
After a bright start to the match, Town found themselves three goals up in the first 15 minutes thanks to goals from Peter Clarke, Josh Morris and Jack Sowerby.
The Cod Army went furthered ahead through Wes Burns, before Paddy Madden made it five in the second half.
With the introduction of Cian Hayes in the 74th minute – who also became Town’s youngster ever player at 16-years and 145 days, it was a successful night for all involved at Highbury.
Here is what Joey Barton had to say in his post match interview:
On the game…
“It was a game where we wanted the lads to give a good performance, especially off the back of a professional performance away at Barnet in the FA Cup.
“Having back to back cup games is quite rare, and I thought that there was some very good spells and some very good goals with and lots of positives.
"There was some good attacking football, I am disappointed that we have given the opposition goals, but on the flipside of that, we could have scored a lot more tonight.
"It was a very pleasing night and I am looking forward to the draw on Saturday."
On the manner of team selections…
“We picked a side that we thought could cause Oldham problems, and that was the way that it transpired.
“It was a competition last year which we didn’t think that we had the depth in the squad to go full board in the tournament, however this year, we have chosen a slightly different approach, and to use it as a springboard for players who haven’t been starting for the first team, or players that deserve an opportunity."
On Cian Hayes' debut & younger players…
“He [Cian Hayes] has got the ability to get you off your seat. I think for any football fan, they are the types of players that you like to see.
He is not 17 until June next year, and the last player to get his debut at that kind of age was Dylan Boyle, and Cian (Hayes) has absolutely blown him out of the water. Maybe next year we will have to look at giving a 15 or 14 year-old a debut.
"I have always said since I came in, that if they are good enough, then I don’t really care about their age, it is just a number. I think Billy Crellin showed that on Sunday with a performance in the FA Cup game, and showed the type of confidence that we have in him.
“He [Hayes] has earned it with his performances in the FA Youth Cup and every time we have been to watch the U18’s play, he has shown us the qualities that he has.
“We are a club that needs to show pathways for young players into our first team, and I think we have been consistent with that throughout my short tenure here so far.
“If you believe in yourself and work hard every day, you will do well in this environment.”