In anticipation of a first-team breakthrough, Academy graduate Marshall, eager to keep his sharpness at its peak, was handed competitive minutes in the Vertu Trophy and duly delivered with a second-half brace, which he insists, should have been a hat-trick.
“It was actually the first 90 minutes I’d played since the end of last season, so I needed that under my belt,” he admitted.
Reflecting on his goals, Marshall added: “The second one was a good ball in from Regan [Clayton]. It bounced a bit awkwardly, but I got around it well. I probably should have scored the one-on-one too. I was annoyed with myself for that one, I had too long to think about it. I should have gone around the goalkeeper. But I’m happy to get two in the end.”
The tireless pressing and selfless running that endeared him to Huddersfield fans were just as evident on Tuesday night. His work rate without the ball was every bit as valuable as his finishing touch in front of goal.
“It was great just to have the minutes,” he said. “Even if the U21s staff hadn’t asked me, I would have wanted to play anyway. I get on really well with the development coaches and I’m never too big to play in these games. If I need minutes and this is the place to do it, then I have no problem with that. I really enjoyed it. Hopefully it shows what I can do.”