Wigan Athletic has said that he will consider starting teenage starlet Joe Geldhart against Charlton Atheltic this weekend after he came off the bench to score the winner against Hull City last weekend.
Having scored his first senior goal last weekend just minutes after coming off the bench against Hull City, Wigan Athletic fans have been calling for young star Joe Geldhart to start against Charlton Athletic.
Now, speaking to the Wigan Post, Latics manager Paul Cook has said he will consider giving him a start this weekend, adding that he was left out of the development squad’s game earlier this week to avoid burning the youngster out.
“The pros and cons of that decision are there for all to see, and I don’t have a problem with anyone who argues either viewpoint.
“When you come off a bench at the weekend and you light up a game, as Joffy did at Hull, the reality is you will light up more football games. The kid’s got that talent…so to sit him on a bench for long periods, in the dark, wouldn’t be great for anybody – including us. But managing him correctly is also important.
“He was away on international duty before the Hull game, he wasn’t asked to play for the Development Squad on Monday purely to avoid burn-out. We want him fresh and full of that fearless approach that he naturally has. For minutes on the pitch, for Joffy, I think that can be quite clearly guaranteed. As and when they come about, that will be important.”
