Boss throws down gauntlet to Carl

Carl Winchester: real talent, says boss — but needs to work on his game.

CARL Winchester could get his chance to impress at Shrewsbury tonight (7.45pm kick-off).

The promising midfield man hasn’t started a game under the tenure of manager Lee Johnson, but Johnson sees promise in the Belfast-born player (19).

But his praise was wrapped in a warning that Winchester should try to improve areas of his game for next season.

“He is someone I would definitely like to get into the team,” said Johnson. “He deserves an opportunity. I like Carl. He has flaws to his game and that worries me. If we can iron those out, he has got some real talent.

While Winchester has been sidelined, his former reserve-team colleagues Glenn Belezika and David Mellor have seen their stars rise in the first team. But again, the message was one of personal improvement.

“I have a clear vision of where I want to go next season,” said Johnson. “There are a couple who have really bought in – and you can start with Mellor. He has gone from being a loser to looking like a real man and a top player. He has still got a lot to do. He has flaws in his game.

“We know Glenn hasn’t had much coaching, having come into the game late. He is aggressive, a very good one-versus-one defender, probably the best we’ve got. He’s a rough diamond. If we spend a bit of time on him, it could be polished.”