Alan Reeves believes that Paul Kalambayi can have a good future in the game after working hard to earn his first-team opportunities.
Though our home-grown defender had previously made three appearances in the Checkatrade Trophy, he had to wait for his first league start, which came at Portsmouth on New Year's Day.
His promising display at Fratton Park meant that 19-year-old Paul kept his place for the Emirates FA Cup third round victory at Fleetwood Town on Saturday.
"Paul sets a great example," said Alan. "He has been captain of the development side for the last couple of years, but he's had to bide his time for a first-team chance. He sets a great example by coming in every day and giving it his all. He wears the armband and leads by example. Paul has a good future ahead of him."
Following his league debut at Fratton Park, Paul praised the coaching he's received at Under-23 development level and Alan Reeves added that the defender's attitude to learning the game has been spot-on.
"Paul knows as well as me now about what's expected of him," added Alan. "It's come to the stage now where Paul knows what I'm going to say to him. If I can see that Paul has made a mistake in a training session I will ask him, 'What did I say Paul?' He will answer it before I've even finished asking him. He has heard it all before. He knows what he needs to do and what he doesn't need to do. He is a great learner, a willing learner, a keen boy, and he wants to do well."
Read Alan's thoughts on the development season so far by accessing our previous article.