Iron manager Nick Daws has heaped praise on Kyle Wootton following the substitute’s late leveller against Oldham Athletic.
Daniel Lafferty had put the visitors ahead with just over 10 minutes remaining but Wootton’s clinical finish inside the area ensured a share of the spoils.After seeing the youngster fire home his first goal of the season, Daws was naturally thrilled post-match.
He told The Iron PlayerHD: “It’s really pleasing. I think over the last few games, all our substitutes have made a real impact and it’s a credit to them.
“We’ve got four strikers currently at the club and one of those is very much him.
“We didn’t seek to get anybody else in on loan because we’ve got some good attacking players and I told Kyle a few weeks ago to just keep doing what he’s doing.
“We didn’t want to let him go out on loan because we know he’ll make an impact when he comes into it and today he’s proved that.”
It was a nitty gritty fixture in which both United and Oldham battled hard to try and grind out a result.
The first goal arrived after Daws’ men had seen a handful of chances not taken and that is what he feels was the most disappointing aspect of the afternoon.
“We were frustrated that we didn’t take our chances to be in a position like we were against Colchester and Southend recently,” he continued.
“That’s the way it goes sometimes, sides don’t roll over and let you take three points - especially sides that are unbeaten in five and fighting to get out of the relegation zone.
“We need to be better in front of goal, we know where we need to improve.
“Their goalkeeper made saves from Paddy Madden and Conor Townsend in the second half and there was also the chance for Paddy in the first half which nine times out of ten he’d score.
“Today wasn’t his day but at least he’s in those positions to take opportunities.
“There was also a great free-kick from Jamie Ness at the start of the second half and Tom Hopper just needed to get something on it but I’d rather my strikers be in those positions than not be in those positions to score.”
The Latics clash saw midfield loanee Jim O’Brien make his first start in an Iron shirt whilst also making his maiden appearance at Glanford Park.
Daws believes O’Brien will be a key player throughout the rest of the season and also issued an injury update on Luke Williams, who was again missing from the matchday squad.
He added: “I thought he (O’Brien) was bright, he kept us ticking.
“He showed us what he’s all about and I knew when I signed him that he would be a real asset for us between now and the end of the season.
“He’s got lots of energy and probably just needs a little bit of match fitness.
“The 85 minutes he got today will stand him in good stead between now and the end of the season.
“Luke is good too. He stepped his training up on Friday from Thursday so he’s on his way to being back.
“He’ll train fully with the group on Monday and we’ll see if he’s available for Tuesday.”
See much more from Nick Daws and Kyle Wootton on The Iron PlayerHD.
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