Neil Warnock delighted by Huddersfield Town surprise package he intended to sell this summer
The manager had intended to offer utility man Ben Jackson up for transfer but has been blown away by his work on the training pitch and in friendlies over the past few weeks
Terrier boss Neil Warnock has revealed that he went into this summer expecting to sell Ben Jackson, only for the academy graduate to emerge as the player who has impressed him most.
That may well be vital for Huddersfield Town over the next few weeks with Jonathan Hogg and David Kasumu both sidelined with ankle injuries, prompting Warnock to wonder if Jackson could do a job in that central midfield vacancy.
That would bring the player full circle of so: although a left-back by trade, Jackson’s first steps into the Town first team actually came at a surprise midfield selection in Carlos Corberan’s first couple of games in charge three years ago.
Jack Rudoni, Brahima Diarra, and Rarmani Edmonds-Green have all been regulars in the Town midfield in this summer’s friendlies, with academy pair Scott High and Josh Austerfield also involved from the bench
The latter is yet to make his Championship debut, so asked what Austerfield may bring to the side if called upon, Warnock said: “He’s a calming influence really, he’s a good lad. They’ve all been, the ones we’ve brought into the squad. I don’t think I could fault anybody really
“I always think when you’ve got injuries it gives somebody an opportunity, it gives somebody a chance, so it’s up to them to show me.”
Warnock went on: “One of the best players this pre-season has been Jackson, he’s really surprised me. He’s been if not the best, then the most inspiring player to me that I’ve seen, everywhere: in the training, in the games, absolutely spot on, him.
“I thought he would go this summer, I thought I’d be letting him go, but I said to him the other day ‘if ever a boy’s surprised me, it’s you this year, son’. I think he’s been superb.”
Warnock agreed that Jackson is an excellent utility option with two good feet and the ability to play multiple roles. He added: “He’s got great crosses: I remember the Millwall goal, and I think it was his cross on Saturday. Great cross.”
Asked what Jackson’s best position might be, though, Warnock said: “You know, I don’t know, I honestly don’t know. I also quite fancy him in central midfield if I’m honest – I think he’s got enough about him. He’s got a great engine.
“We’re going to have to look at that because we haven’t got a massive squad, so we’ll have to see, but I’ve been very pleased with Jacko.”
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