Loan star tipped to drive up AFC Telford United standards
AFC Telford United’s new recruit Harry Hawkins has been tipped to drive ‘high standards’ in the Bucks’ squad during his stay.
The Derby County youngster arrived on an initial 28-day loan last week as Kevin Wilkin continues to look to bolster his options.
With fellow loanee Jakub Kruszynski having his stay extended until the end of the season on Friday, Wilkin is hoping to see the Derby midfielder make a similarly positive impression.
“Harry’s a more of a defensively-minded midfielder, and we’d been in conversations about signing him for a little while,” the Telford boss revealed. “As soon as they were happy to let him come on board we’ve taken the opportunity, and hopefully he’ll provide some strong competition in that area.”
He added: “It’s all about driving high standards and having competition for places, and he’s a young man who wants to do well in the game.
“It’s all about transferring that into a matchday when he gets the chance, and I’m looking forward to seeing what sort of level he’s at because you never quite know with a player on their first loan.
“If he does as well as Jakub’s come in and done we’ll be really pleased with him.”
Kruszynski will stay with the Bucks for the remainder of the season, though parent club Mansfield Town retain a recall option on the youngster.
“When he got off the bench against Hadley and came on, he managed the ball really well and looked physically capable of providing what we need," said Wilkin. "He started the next game (St Ives Town) and again had a really solid game and backed it up with another one against Leiston.
"We've been really impressed with him, and that’s why we’ve extended his loan for the rest of the season.”
Wilkin was also pleased to be trusted by the Stags to continue the winger's development.
“I think Mansfield are really happy with how things are progressing for Jakub and were keen to leave him here for the rest of the season, so naturally we jumped at that chance," he added.
