Confident Carl’s instant impact

Carl Winchester impressed on his Latics debut

CARL Winchester has been tipped for a bright Boundary Park future after emerging from the FA Cup defeat at Accrington Stanley as Athletic’s only outfield player to earn any real credit.

The exciting full-back (17) was a surprise inclusion in Paul Dickov’s side, but he produced a composed and adventurous performance in the 3-2 loss.

Youth team manager Tony Philliskirk admits his young charge still has a long way to go - but is on the right track.

“Paul came and asked me a couple of days before the Accrington game if I felt Carl was mentally tough enough to play, and there was no doubt in my mind,” said Philliskirk.

“I couldn’t go to the game, but the feedback I have had suggests he did very well.

“Some lads his age are petrified when they are selected for the first team, but he is a calm person. He took it in his stride.

“Carl is down to earth and very level-headed, which can only be a good thing.

“I knew he had potential when I saw him play for Linfield. You have to be quite strong over there because it is a competitive environment.

“We have just sat down for Carl’s first review and he knows there is plenty to work on, particularly his physical development.

“But he has made a great start to his Athletic career, especially when you consider he is living away from his family in Ireland seven days a week.

“It is early days, but I hope he eventually takes the first team by storm, because I will have done my job properly.”

Striker Warren Feeney, who scored his first goal for the club in the FA Cup exit, was also impressed by Winchester’s contribution.

He said: “I said to him beforehand, ‘just get out there kid – football is football, just take it as a normal game’.

“I thought the wee lad was superb and arguably our best player.

“He looked composed on the ball and wasn’t scared to get forward. I am absolutely delighted for him.

“I have got down to a few youth team games to have a look. I enjoy watching the kids, especially having so many over from Belfast.

“I played in the reserve game against Preston last week with Carl and he was brilliant.

“He was so composed and I knew when he played against Accrington he wouldn’t look out of place.

“He was phenomenal and will give the gaffer something to think about.

“The main thing now for Carl is to keep his feet on the ground. I am sure he will, because that is the kind of lad he is.”

Feeney was happy to finally get his name on the scoresheet, but naturally disappointed to end up on the losing side.

“I want to play and goals bring confidence,” he added. “But the way I look at it, we are out of the cup. I would love to have scored and been in the winning side.

“It is up to the gaffer. He knows I want to play football, so I will leave those decisions up to him.”