York City boss Russ Wilcox has hailed Bradley Halliday’s attitude and hinted the Boro youngster could be deployed in a midfield role this weekend.
The 19-year-old endured a frustrating start to his loan spell at Bootham Crescent as an unused substitute for the Minstermen in his first three matches.
But the right-back was given a welcome start against Wimbledon on Saturday - and the Teessider did not disappoint, bagging the man of the match award despite the team’s 3-2 home defeat.
Since then Halliday has extended his loan spell at York for a further month, and looks set set to feature again this weekend when the League Two strugglers travel to Bury.
Patiently waiting for his first-team chance, Halliday has received from boss Wilcox who hinted he could have another position in mind for him this weekend.
“Sometimes it’s important to have versatile players and, with smallish squads, you need to look at people in different positions,” Wilcox told the York Press.
“We’ve seen what (Brad) can do now and he has lots and lots of energy, so I would consider playing him in midfield.
“It was pleasing to get his loan extended, especially after his performance on Saturday and the next challenge for him is to maintain that standard.
Peter Reimann
“He has set the bar high, but he’s a smashing kid who wants to learn and listen.”
Halliday is one of a number of young players who are performing well for the Minstermen in recent weeks, with 19-year-old duo Diego De Girolamo and Carlton Morris both vying for a starting spot.
Starting all three teenagers in a League Two relegation battle would be considered a risk to some - but Wilcox said he would have no qualms starting all three together.
“When young players come in from the cold, they have no thoughts about the team’s run of results or where the club might be in the table,” he said.
“It’s just all about playing and enjoying a game of football for them and they can play with no fear.”
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