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Neil Lennon believes the breakthrough of young forward Max Clayton into the first-team picture is a big boost going into the hectic winter programme.
The 20-year-old was signed by Lennon’s predecessor Dougie Freedman with an eye on the future.
But Lennon has given the former Crewe star a chance to shine in the senior side since his arrival and Clayton capped his full Whites debut with the opening goal against Wigan in the last game before the international break.
It was the perfect way to thank his manager for his faith and Lennon has been delighted with Clayton’s approach since his move into the manager’s hot seat last month.
Lennon said: “Young Clayton has come in and done excellently.
“He’s got a good temperament and kept going against Wigan despite missing an early chance.
“His movement is good, but I just felt he was trying a bit too in the first half.
“Once he relaxed on the ball, he was better.
“His reading of the game; his football understanding and intelligence is very, very good.
“He is a huge bonus for us right now.”
Clayton’s strike, coupled with a second in four games for in-form Craig Davies in the 3-1 derby triumph, has helped the goals flow for the Whites again and given the frontline added confidence.
But the upbeat mood runs right throughout the camp and Lennon continues to be impressed with the approach of his players at the Euxton training base as well as in games.
He believes having the right attitude is paying dividends as he prepares the team for what he hopes will be another illuminating afternoon in Blackpool on Saturday when the Chanpionship programme returns.
The Whites boss added: “There continues to be good belief among the players – they can see what we are trying to do.
"It’s a brilliant challenge for myself, Johann (Mjallby) and Garry (Parker) and one we are incentivised by.
"I am happy with the group and the way they are buying into what we are doing. Their attitudes have been excellent.”
Source
The 20-year-old was signed by Lennon’s predecessor Dougie Freedman with an eye on the future.
But Lennon has given the former Crewe star a chance to shine in the senior side since his arrival and Clayton capped his full Whites debut with the opening goal against Wigan in the last game before the international break.
It was the perfect way to thank his manager for his faith and Lennon has been delighted with Clayton’s approach since his move into the manager’s hot seat last month.
Lennon said: “Young Clayton has come in and done excellently.
“He’s got a good temperament and kept going against Wigan despite missing an early chance.
“His movement is good, but I just felt he was trying a bit too in the first half.
“Once he relaxed on the ball, he was better.
“His reading of the game; his football understanding and intelligence is very, very good.
“He is a huge bonus for us right now.”
Clayton’s strike, coupled with a second in four games for in-form Craig Davies in the 3-1 derby triumph, has helped the goals flow for the Whites again and given the frontline added confidence.
But the upbeat mood runs right throughout the camp and Lennon continues to be impressed with the approach of his players at the Euxton training base as well as in games.
He believes having the right attitude is paying dividends as he prepares the team for what he hopes will be another illuminating afternoon in Blackpool on Saturday when the Chanpionship programme returns.
The Whites boss added: “There continues to be good belief among the players – they can see what we are trying to do.
"It’s a brilliant challenge for myself, Johann (Mjallby) and Garry (Parker) and one we are incentivised by.
"I am happy with the group and the way they are buying into what we are doing. Their attitudes have been excellent.”
Source
