Saturday 30 September 2017 12:30, UK
Tom Ince feels there is a perception that he is not good enough to flourish in the Premier League – but insists he is ready to prove the doubters wrong.
Since joining Huddersfield from Derby in the summer, Ince has started every Premier League game as David Wagner's men have adapted well to life at the top table of English football.
Wagner took a chance on Ince despite two underwhelming previous spells in the top flight with Crystal Palace and Hull.
Ince thinks due to those two disappointing periods, people have been too quick to write him off.
"I think people are quick to judge that I'm not capable at this level," Ince told Sky Sports, ahead of Huddersfield's clash with Tottenham on Saturday lunchtime.
"I always thought over the last 18 months that's been quite harsh as I didn't really have a decent run of games in the Premier League.
"But they are the things you have to take as a footballer - everyone is entitled to their opinion, as do the media. It's down to me to do my talking on the pitch and try to make an impact in this league for me as an individual and for this club."
The Premier League newcomers snapped up the former Derby winger after agreeing a fee that could rise to £10m.
There's always been an air of frustration about the trajectory of Ince's career - even from the player himself - who has admitted to struggling with the pressure of living somewhat in dad Paul's shadow.
He's ready to put that all behind him and concentrate on helping Huddersfield stay in the Premier League.
"I'm 25 now, and I've experienced a lot, including some knocks along the way," he added.
"I'm just glad to be back in the Premier League. Back where the action happens. I'm at a club that plays the right way with a manager who wants his front four players to be exciting but also demands the work ethic to help the team.
"This is an opportunity to feel free and express myself. The Premier League has such a big profile but it's about working hard to try and get a shirt on a Saturday."
Huddersfield welcome Spurs on the back of another solid display at Burnley, where they battled to a 0-0 draw.
That clean sheet was Wagner's fourth from six Premier League matches as the Terriers have taken nine points.
Ince, who is more renowned for his silky attacking play rather than defensive discipline, is well aware of his responsibilities in adhering to Wagner's defensive ethos.
"The manager knows we have to be defensively solid - chances won't come as easy as they did in the Championship," he added.
"We need to make sure we keep the scores at zero.
"Defensively from back to front has always been key. Everyone works back and everyone works forward. We've achieved the same goal if we draw 0-0 or win 4-0 - it's an idea everyone has installed in their head. When you have that togetherness, it always gives you half a chance."
