Luton Town boss Graeme Jones has said that midfielder George Moncur needs to improve his off the ball play if he is going to have more impact on matches.
The former West Ham United academy prospect was impressive last season, scoring six goals from 14 appearances.
However, he has been limited to just one start this term, with his other 13 appearances coming from the bench.
Ahead of the Hatters crucial clash with fellow relegation strugglers Wigan Athletic on Saturday, Jones urged the midfielder to work on his off the ball play.
“I really like George, you can introduce George in certain circumstances at the minute, in his tactical development," Jones said.
“I don’t question anything he can do on the ball, it’s just off the ball sometimes he needs to be better.
“I didn’t get the chance to work with him in League One when he’s above the league and you can get away with it and can learn tactically, but he’s someone that I value.
“I value everybody here, everybody’s got a role to play, they’ve just got to trust me to pick and choose when.”
With Luton favouring a 4-4-2 diamond formation this season, Moncur has seen Ryan Tunnicliffe, Pelly-Ruddock Mpanzu, Izzy Brown and Luke Berry preferred in midfield, with the 26-year-old forced to be patient and wait for opportunities from the bench.
The verdict
Moncur certainly has something to add to this Luton side, especially during a tight run-in with the club battling relegation.
He has an eye for goal, shown last season and earlier in his career with Colchester United, but it is clear Jones needs more from him with his side battling for every point.
There is plenty of competition for places in that Luton midfield and it is now on Moncur to prove he deserves a starting place.