Ben Garner is expecting big things from Ben Liddle at Bristol Rovers with the midfielder impressing in training.
But the manager believes steadily introducing the 22-year-old to the team is the sensible option.
Liddle joined Rovers from Middlesbrough on October 8 and is yet to make his debut for the Gas, travelling with the squad to Shrewsbury seven days ago but he was not named on the bench.
Garner believes Liddle is in a similar position to the likes of Cian Harries and James Daly when they signed for the Gas in January, needing time to acclimatise before he is ready to make an impact on the pitch.
"He’s come in and done really well," Garner told Bristol Live ahead of Tuesday night's League One fixture with Hull City at the Mem.
"What I’m conscious with some of these young players when they come in, and we’ve done similar with James and Cian, is I want them to have a bedding in period.
"Ben’s had a big relocation from where he lives, but he’s comfortable now and he’s already found a place and moved in.
"He’s training really well and he’s getting to know the group and how we work."
Daly and Harries have since graduated from that process of integration to become first-team regulars and key players.
Garner has similar expectations for left-footed central midfielder Liddle.
"I’m really pleased with him," the manager continued. "I think he’s going to be a really top player for this football club and he’s ready to take his opportunity when that arises.
"It’s important that when we do bring younger players in, we don’t just throw them straight in and we make sure they’re ready to understand what’s expected of them and when they’re ready to get the opportunity they can take it and try to stay in the team."
