ANDY Whing is excited by the potential of Oxford United loanee Aidan Elliott-Wheeler.
The 17-year-old winger was part of the U’s team which reached the quarter finals of the FA Youth Cup.
Last month, the first year scholar joined Banbury United on loan for the remainder of the season and played a key role in ending an 11-game winless run on Tuesday night.
Elliott-Wheeler saw his deflected effort seal three points with 10 minutes to go away at Southport in Vanarama National League North.
READ AGAIN: Oxford United youngster helps end Banbury United’s 11-game winless run
Puritans boss Whing told this newspaper that U’s academy manager Stevie Kinniburgh reached out to the club, to offer them Elliott-Wheeler’s services.
Whing said: “We’ve been pleasantly surprised with him. I spoke to Steve Kinniburgh and he put Aidan to us so he can get minutes.
“I don’t think we expected him to do as well as what he has done.
“Injuries mean he’s been playing right wing back, which he’s not really done before.
“He’s been outstanding with his energy and work rate – we’re really pleased with what he’s offering.”
Former United defender Whing is as pleased with Elliott-Wheeler’s attitude, as much as his footballing ability.
“He’s 17 but he’s got a stocky build, he can go straight into men’s football because he’s got no fear,” said Whing.
“Making less mistakes in decision-making will come as he gets older but his tenacity and calmness on the ball is fantastic.
“That no fear attitude means he just goes out and does the same thing on the pitch.
“I think he’s been outstanding and he’s got experienced players around him helping him.”
Asked how far he thinks Elliott-Wheeler can go in the game, Whing responded: “It’s down to him for how far he can go.
“He’s still a first year scholar but I’m sure Oxford will have a look at him in pre-season.
“It’s all about getting chances and being in the right place at the right time, but he’s definitely on the right path because his attitude is spot on.”
Whing added: “We’ve been really brave in our recruitment and giving young lads a chance.
“James Golding and Slavi Spasov have both played loads of games for us.
“There’ll be games when you know they’ll make mistakes and you accept that happens sometimes.
“It’s just about the trust Oxford have in us because we give these players this platform to make mistakes and learn.
“We’ve been really good in the past two years, to give young players a chance.”
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