: Thu Jul 02, 2009 1:36 am
At the start of this season Saints fans - for the most part - were pinning their hopes on Kyle Eastmond. But after some stirring displays on debut and afterward Gary Wheeler and Jonny Lomax have surged into first team reckoning. Both of these talented kids appear to have jumped a year forward (at least) of their development plans.
Wheeler looks like he'll turn into a crackerjack stand-off/centre whilst Lomax (who may be the best of the lot) is all set to challenge Welllens for the full back spot.
I feel a bit sorry for Eastmond. His season has been blighted by injury. There's no doubt he's a special player. Give him any kind of space and he's off to the races.
Interestingly, Mick Potter has singled out second row Matty Ashurst for the most praise. His ability to run at gaps has troubled a number of defences.