Bove’s potential excites Johnson

JORDAN BOVE

HOT-SHOT striker Jordan Bove will be given time to mature physically within Athletic’s first-team squad after being offered a professional deal.

The 18-year-old from Clayton has been a major player in a successful under-18s league campaign which could yet see the team lift the title.

Sent off only four minutes into his first-team debut as a substitute in a Johnstone’s Paint Trophy tie at home to Shrewsbury in November, Bove was again named in the first-team squad for the home game against Brentford, though didn’t make it to the bench.

Manager Lee Johnson says tests show he isn’t quite yet ready for the rigours of the professional game — but believes he and fellow rookie Rhys Turner have plenty of potential.

“He’s got talent; he’s a very good finisher and is quick and mobile,” Johnson said. “He is growing still as well. We had to take a chance there and we have to go easy on him and let him develop.”

Left-back Jack Truelove has also been offered terms and so has goalkeeper Joel Coleman, whom Johnson.

“Coleman was one of the reasons we allowed Luke Simpson to move on, because we have the belief he can have a good career,” the manager added.