Be the ‘Real’ deal, says LJ

Reporter: Matthew Chambers
Date published: 09 February 2015


CARL Winchester channelled the spirit of the world’s best player before becoming the match-winner at Scunthorpe.

The driving solo run and composed finish from the Belfast-born talent at Glanford Park earned Athletic three points which pushed them back up to sixth place in Sky Bet League One for the first time since November’s derby victory over Rochdale.

It had echoes of the sort of strike prolific Real Madrid superstar Cristiano Ronaldo has become well known for.

And Winchester’s manager Lee Johnson revealed he stressed to the 21-year-old the need to constantly strive to be better — just as the three-time FIFA world player of the year Ronaldo has done over his distinguished career.

“He can be anything he wants,” said Johnson on Winchester, who has clocked up 30 appearances this season, scoring twice.

“You look at Cristiano Ronaldo as the benchmark, as he is probably the hungriest player in the world.

“If they can do even half of that then people like Carl Winchester can have very good careers.

“He has a lot going for him. If you are looking at someone to get you to a higher level then he has all the ingredients. But we need to bring that out of him all the time.”

Johnson was also pleased with the contribution of 78th-minute substitute Rhys Murphy, whose pass preceded Winchester’s goal.

“Rhys is technically good, sharp and intelligent,” he added. “He isn’t the quickest, but you don’t need to be if you are clever.

“He’s a bit of a Ryan Lowe type, a schemer. He’s always checking over his shoulder to scan the game, seeing where the space is and not getting in fights with big centre-halves.

“That’s what we want, so we can play this attractive brand of football.”