Stags boss to give younger players more time to develop

Stags boss Nigel Clough has learned from experience that different players maature at different ages.

The Stags boss has spoken of his joy seeing Jason Law, 21, and Tyrese Sinclair, 20, finally make full EFL first team debuts in recent weeks at a later age than some might expect.

He is now hoping for mathematical safety to be achieved as soon as possible so more can be given an opportunity.

“Having young players coming through is an important part of any club and you have to give them time,” said Clough.

“Jason Law is a great example. He is 21 but he's been here a long time and been out on loan and everything. You have to give them that time.

“They all develop at different times. At Derby Mason Bennett was in the first team at 15.

“Then we had Will Hughes and Jeff Hendrick who were 18 and it was touch and go whether we were going to give them pro contracts at one stage.

“It was a case of giving them another year and seeing how they integrated with the first team.

“Our philosophy is we'll always give them that extra year if we can. Just that extra time to see if they can develop.”

Clough continued: “When you are a young player coming on for the last 10-15 minutes or not getting on you are desperate to play.

“It's good we have finally got Tyrese on for a couple of starts and we're looking to get more in as well.

“That's been one of the frustrating things. We would have hoped to have been safe by now. Bar the late goals and mistakes we would have been.

“That would have given us the opportunity to get or two more involved in games. We want to have a look at James Clarke, we want have a look at Jaden Charles we've signed.”