Timely nudge

CARL Winchester took the rare chance to showcase his skills last night, playing for an hour for Northern Ireland under-21s who were defeated by their England counterparts at Bloomfield Road.

The 19-year-old, who has only made two appearances for Athletic all season, operated in a role on the right of midfield in his country’s 2-0 defeat.

A first-half goal from Connor Wickham, connecting with Jordan Henderson’s free-kick, was added to by a penalty from Benik Afobe towards the end.

In front of a national television audience, the Belfast teenager, who described it as a “brilliant experience” and the “biggest game” he has played in, put in a composed performance in his sixth under-21s showing which may have given manager Paul Dickov some food for thought.

Despite impressing in the victory over Carlisle on the final day of last season, Winchester — the subject of a £300,000 offer from Fulham last season, along with David Mellor — has become the forgotten man of Boundary Park.

The former Linfield player last turned out for the first team in the 2-1 defeat in the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy at Chesterfield in early September.

Dickov may opt to bring Winchester back onto the bench for this weekend’s trip to Bournemouth, in view of the double-suspension he has to contend with — missing central midfield duo Dean Furman and James Wesolowski.

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