Ipswich Town U21: Harry Barbrook on Borussia Monchengladbach friendly

The young Blues were brought in last minute to replace the first team, who were expected to play the game this afternoon.

The announcement, which was made last night, meant that John McGreal’s side were thrown right in at the deep end, but they held their own despite losing the match 3-1.

READ MORE: McGreal's pride in his young Town team

“It was very good, a great experience,” Barbrook said after the match. “I think that playing against Bundesliga team in Borussia Mönchengladbach, they’re a great side, I think we looked at it as a great opportunity to show what we’re about.

“To be fair to the lads, we all gave it our best. If anything, we did well and imposed our threat on them. We conceded three set plays. It’s something for us to work on going forward, but we can be proud of the team.

“I think we’re a brave team. We found out yesterday that we were playing and a lot of us were like, ‘wow, what an experience, this is going to be incredible’, playing in front of our fans, who were amazing throughout."

Barbrook revealed that some of the lads were nervous when they were first told the news, but that quickly built into excitement in the group.

The 19-year-old enjoyed the physical battle against the Bundesliga outfit (Image: Ross Halls)

“I think there were a few who felt it a bit,” he admitted. “We knew we were going to be up against it, but the staff definitely helped us. They told us that we were going to have to give it our best, that there was no hiding away from it.

“That’s what we’re about as a team. It’d be easy for us to go under in moments like that, to be a bit timid because we’re a lot younger than them. We’re here to play, we’re not going to get bullied by anyone and we’re here to impose our physicality as well as them doing it to us. We really enjoyed it and credit to them as well.

“John spoke and said that, from his point of view, we gave it our best tactically. Like I said, they scored three set plays. They had chances but we didn’t give them too much.

“In there, the lads are happy. I think we can definitely build on this going into our own season.”

Of course, Barbrook will be looking at his next step. The pathway into the first-team squad looks difficult at the moment, making a loan move to a club lower down the football pyramid a sensible option.

“With the first team getting into the Premier League and how good the squad is at the minute with new lads coming in, I’m definitely looking to go out on loan and prove myself, get more senior appearances under my belt and hopefully push on from there,” he revealed.

Barbrook is expecting to head out on loan next season (Image: Ross Halls)

“It’s stages. Going into non-league last season, Fin, my brother, did a lot with Chelmsford. I went to watch a lot of games and it’s tough in there.

“You have to get out there and prove yourself, then its about getting better every week and building up the leagues.”

Speaking of his twin brother, he was quick to stress that there’s no rivalry between him and Finlay, adding that they push each other to be better and try to learn off each other where possible.

“There’s no rivalry at all, there’s a lot of support,” he said. “We’ve just had our off-season and I think we both pushed each other to the limit.

“I don’t think there’s anything better than having a twin brother in the same position as you. You can learn off each other and talk to someone about it. It’s good to have him around.”