Danny Mills has urged Nathan Ferguson to continue performing to the best of his ability for West Bromwich Albion, despite failing to secure a move away in January.
The 19-year-old has been a key player for the Baggies under Slaven Bilic this season, but currently faces an uncertain future at the Hawthorns.
The young full-back's contract at the club expires at the end of the season, and there has been no movement on the five-year deal they offered him way back in October.
Instead, Ferguson was heavily linked with a move to Crystal Palace in January, but a move broke down in the 11th hour due to an issue in the player's medical.
Tottenham Hotspur have since been linked with another move for Ferguson, with a potential £4m summer reportedly in the offing.
Can you get 15 out of 15 on this West Brom quiz?
Speaking to Football Insider, Danny Mills has urged Ferguson to keep on giving his all and performing for the Baggies, even though his head may be elsewhere.
He said: "He’s got to play well now, simple as that, the onus is on him to make sure that if he wants a move, clubs are interested.
"Clubs might be interested in now but if they see him not putting in the effort in the second half of the season, not playing as well, he’ll have fewer opportunities.
"You’re angry and disappointed but all you can do is come back, knuckle down, work hard, work hard for your club to get them where they want to be and if you do, rewards come, whether that be a new contract or that’s a move.”
West Brom continue to lead the way in the Sky Bet Championship table after 30 matches - the Baggies face Millwall at The Den this Sunday.
The Verdict
Ferguson's head is likely to be all over the place right now, and he obviously won't have experienced this before in his career.
I completely agree with Mills on this one - he needs to ensure that he's still playing to the best of his ability, otherwise potential suitors may be put off a move.
It would have been disappointing for him not to have secured a move away in January, but that's football.