Iron manager Mark Robins praised Hakeeb Adelakun’s impact after he stepped off the bench to rescue a last-gasp draw against Bradford City at Valley Parade on Saturday.
The visitors had trailed to Rory McArdle’s first half strike for the best part of an hour before the 18-year-old levelled things in stoppage time to stretch United’s unbeaten run to eight games.The goal marked Adelakun’s second of the season, and Robins told The Iron Player: “I’m delighted because he’s a real threat, a real talent.
“He’s had a great touch to create space for himself then drilled a great shot, but I know he’s got that in his locker because he can strike a ball superbly well. He needs to learn the game as he doesn’t understand or know the ugly side of the game yet.
“Once he learns that he could be a real talent. There’s a lot to learn and a lot to do but I’m pleased with the way he’s contributed when he’s come on.
“He’s making an impact, and you can’t make a better impact [than scoring].”
While much of the youngster’s early career has seen him used off the bench, the winger will look to eventually establish himself as a first team regular at Glanford Park, but Robins warned: “It’s how quickly they can learn and how quickly they want to do that.
“He’s got everything in his locker in terms of the technical side of the game, it’s the tactical side of the game he’s got to learn. Then you’ve got to have the desire to absolutely fulfil that and help your teammates when they haven’t got the ball because it matters all the time.
“He’s bright and he’s brave, and scored the penalty on Wednesday night [against Worcester City] so I’ve got no qualms.”
See much more from Mark Robins, Hakeeb Adelakun and Liam O'Neil on The Iron Player.