‘Fearless’ Scott likely to get more chances to shine, says Paterson
ROOKIE striker Dylan Scott may get more game time for Burton Albion in the remaining matches this season as the Brewers seek solutions to their lack of goalscoring threat.
The 18 year old, who has scored a bucket-load of goals for the academy side and has also been scoring on loan with Hanley Town in recent weeks, came off the bench late for his League debut against Port Vale last week.
He had previously scored when coming off the bench for his firstteam bow against Blackpool in the EFL Trophy earlier in the campaign.
He showed willingness in his brief appearance in a difficult situation last week and has impressed the manager, himself a former striker, who had encouraging words for him.
“Dylan is active. He’s someone we’ve monitored and someone I think, over the next seven games, might get more opportunities,” said Paterson.
“What I like about him is that there’s a fearlessness. I’m not saying he’s going to be involved every minute but what I do see with him is a Burton Albion player.
“I see someone who’s brave, who wants to get in and cause moments.
“I’m massive on young players. It comes back to unpredictability and trying to look at different avenues. If I think he is the answer, he will come on and play, ahead of senior players if they’re not doing it.
“One thing I am is brave, I will make calls and make changes. And he’s a goalscorer with a really good record in the younger age groups.”
“I was quite vocal with them in terms of non-negotiables not being met. That can’t happen for Burton Albion football club and it won’t ever happen again in a Martin Paterson team.
“There were lots of other things I could say were wrong but the main one for me was the nonnegotiables and that has been remedied, I can assure you of that.
“I’d like to think that was the last shock that they need. They looked like a team who needed a shock.
“I’m devastated that we got it but now we have and the option is, do you accept things and just hope? No, you get to work, deal with it, coach, improve, keep pushing and stay positive.”
It was suggested to the manager that the team have tended to compete better with the higher-ranked teams in recent weeks than when they are playing their fellow strugglers.
He agreed – and says it is another aspect of their mindset that needs to change.
“It’s an issue that we need to stamp out,” he said.
“Every opportunity to get three points should be no different in how we approach the game.
“In moments against the big teams we have been too passive and we should be more aggressive.
“On the opposite side, against teams which, perception-wise, people think we should beat, we don’t penetrate them with the ball, we play in front of them.
“We should not change the way we play, regardless of the opposition. And I’ll be honest and say it’s annoying me, so I hope I’ve made it clear in the players’ minds.
“We don’t disrespect opponents but whether it’s someone in or around us or someone at the top or not, we should be looking to win every game.
“We have the capabilities, with our strong suits, to affect most teams in the division.
“But what’s crept in is almost two minds and I’ve cleared that from their minds this week. We must be playing one way only and that’s positive and frontfooted.”