CHRIS Wilder says that winger Jon-Paul Pittman has not been given his chance to impress yet, because he hasn’t deserved it.

The former Wycombe man, known as JP, came off the bench for the final 16 minutes of Saturday’s defeat at Crewe amid cheers from the travelling fans.

But Wilder says that there is a simple reason why Pittman has not played more for United this season.

He has been on the bench for every league clash, his only start coming in the Carling Cup defeat against Cardiff.

He has not made it onto the pitch in the previous two matches, but did on Saturday, replacing Lewis Guy.

Wilder explained: “I know there was a bit of an ironic cheer from our supporters when he came on.

“I’m hearing it’s a miracle, and people will be wondering why he hasn’t started or played more minutes – but he ain’t done enough. That’s the top and bottom of it.

“Whether it’s a reserve game or training, we’ve spoken about this to him and he knows.

“He’s come here to make an impact, did great in America, but he’s not done enough since.

“We’ve got a good relationship, but he needs to do more to get himself in the team.

“There’s no way a player who I don’t feel is doing enough with or without the ball deserves the opportunity to be in the team.

“When he does that, he will get his chance.

“I want him to be a success, and he needs to grasp it.”

United’s manager added: “I thought Damian (Batt) did well when he came on, and I thought Josh (Payne) did well – we have a competitive squad here of 20-21 players and I’m happy with what we have got “I think we can get a bit more out of a few of them, but on the whole I didn’t see a team lacking spirit, fight or quality.”

Wilder says that James Constable and loan signing Jonathan Franks, who both missed the game through minor knocks, will be back for next week’s game with Burton, as will Peter Leven, who was at the birth of his child.

“I will have all three of them available next week,” he said.