Jack Rudoni has coped well with the step-up to first-team action and Will Nightingale believes that there's plenty more to come from the 18-year-old midfielder.
Will reckons that supporters have yet to see the best of a player who has made significant strides this season after a loan spell with Tonbridge Angels.
“It’s brilliant to see academy products coming through," said Will. "I was one of the first of the crop to come through and I’m over the moon for players younger than me if they make the step-up. I know what it’s like, I’ve been through it, and ‘Rudi’ is a great player technically. I’m sure he will show our fans what he’s all about, as not many people have had a chance to see him play yet. He is a brilliant player and he’s a good lad too, so he deserves his chance, and I hope he takes it.”
Will was speaking during a Facebook Live chat with Rob Cornell, as part of yesterday's match day club coverage, and he also updated us on his recuperation after a hip injury.
“I’m itching to get back out there," added Will. "Most of the time I’m in good spirits, but once I turn up on a game day I find it incredibly hard to watch. The boys are doing well though and that’s making it easier for me.
“I have a follow-up appointment with my surgeon, which isn’t too far away, and hopefully he will give me the all-clear. I should be able to start running then and build on that so that I can get back playing. I am just trying to keep my head screwed on mentally and I will be back soon, stronger and better than ever.
“I’m taking it week by week. It’s tough at the moment, but I’ve had no setbacks. It was a serious operation and I don’t think it helped that I played on for seven games with it. I’m working hard in the gym and when I’m back I will make my statement then. Until that time, I will try to support the boys, but I will try to keep myself to myself because I’m embarrassed that I can’t do my job - that’s what I’m here to do. I’m going to make sure that when I'm back I make my statement out there on the pitch.”