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Zach Clough won’t sweat the extra attention he may receive in the Championship this season.
That’s the verdict of Neil Lennon, who feels his talented young striker can still surprise people despite potentially now being a marked man for Wanderers.
Clough netted six times in just eight starts in league and cup last term before dislocating his shoulder in March and ending his campaign prematurely.
Now many are tipping the 20-year-old to provide the chief goal threat for the Whites this time around when the new campaign gets under way on Saturday with the visit of Derby County.
But Lennon believes his young gun can carry the weight of expectation.
“I don’t think he feels the pressure, or maybe he’s oblivious to it,” Lennon said.
“It won’t affect him. He’ll just do what he does.
“He’s only played half a dozen games when you really look at it – he exploded on to the scene and created that bit of excitement – so we’re looking forward to seeing what he can do.”
Clough returned to the Whites’ line-up on Friday night after playing 70 minutes of the 2-2 draw with Charlton Athletic.
It was only his second outing of the summer after being hampered by a thigh strain during pre-season.
The academy graduate has now thrown his hat into the ring for a starting place against the Rams this weekend, although Lennon feels he is still some way off his best.
“He’d got 45 minutes in Austria and then 70 minutes against Charlton, but that was his first football since March,” he said. “We know there is far more going to come from him, so we’ll keep it all in a bit of perspective.
“He looked good and he actually improved as the game went on, so that bodes well for us going forward.”
Clough started a game alongside Mark Davies for the first time on Friday night and Lennon admits keeping both players fit and available would be a big boost to his side’s chances.
Davies also had a lengthy spell on the sidelines last season, making just 15 appearances after spending four months out with a cruciate knee ligament injury.
He has been eased back in like Clough and Lennon will hope he, too, can now stay fit and offer that creative spark from midfield.
“They are two very good footballers,” he said. “I didn’t realise they had never played together until someone mentioned it before the game.
“Sparky needs a bit of work, in terms of fitness, so that 75 minutes will have done him the world of good. Zach, we know what a player he can be.
“I think there is lots to come from both of them once they get a bit more football in them.”
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That’s the verdict of Neil Lennon, who feels his talented young striker can still surprise people despite potentially now being a marked man for Wanderers.
Clough netted six times in just eight starts in league and cup last term before dislocating his shoulder in March and ending his campaign prematurely.
Now many are tipping the 20-year-old to provide the chief goal threat for the Whites this time around when the new campaign gets under way on Saturday with the visit of Derby County.
But Lennon believes his young gun can carry the weight of expectation.
“I don’t think he feels the pressure, or maybe he’s oblivious to it,” Lennon said.
“It won’t affect him. He’ll just do what he does.
“He’s only played half a dozen games when you really look at it – he exploded on to the scene and created that bit of excitement – so we’re looking forward to seeing what he can do.”
Clough returned to the Whites’ line-up on Friday night after playing 70 minutes of the 2-2 draw with Charlton Athletic.
It was only his second outing of the summer after being hampered by a thigh strain during pre-season.
The academy graduate has now thrown his hat into the ring for a starting place against the Rams this weekend, although Lennon feels he is still some way off his best.
“He’d got 45 minutes in Austria and then 70 minutes against Charlton, but that was his first football since March,” he said. “We know there is far more going to come from him, so we’ll keep it all in a bit of perspective.
“He looked good and he actually improved as the game went on, so that bodes well for us going forward.”
Clough started a game alongside Mark Davies for the first time on Friday night and Lennon admits keeping both players fit and available would be a big boost to his side’s chances.
Davies also had a lengthy spell on the sidelines last season, making just 15 appearances after spending four months out with a cruciate knee ligament injury.
He has been eased back in like Clough and Lennon will hope he, too, can now stay fit and offer that creative spark from midfield.
“They are two very good footballers,” he said. “I didn’t realise they had never played together until someone mentioned it before the game.
“Sparky needs a bit of work, in terms of fitness, so that 75 minutes will have done him the world of good. Zach, we know what a player he can be.
“I think there is lots to come from both of them once they get a bit more football in them.”
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