Hesketh has chance to face Wycombe
NIGEL Clough says Jake Hesketh will be pushing for another Burton Albion start on Saturday after impressing in Tuesday’s defeat by Southend United.
The Southampton loanee was named in Albion’s starting XI for a League match for the first time against the Shrimpers, having played a key role in the recent Carabao Cup triumph over Burnley.
He was a constant attacking spark during a dominant first 45 minutes at the Pirelli Stadium, stretching Southend on both flanks as he and David Templeton swapped wings for the Brewers.
One powerful drive from the left was brilliantly tipped onto the crossbar by Shrimpers goalkeeper Mark Oxley and he curled another ambitious effort just wide after the break when a flat Burton performance allowed Southend to battle back and win 2-1.
Still, Hesketh’s display means he is likely to be competing with Marvin Sordell - who started Burton’s first nine League games of the campaign - for a right-wing slot against Wycombe Wanderers this weekend.
“He was very good tonight, Jake,” said Clough.
“It’s a toss up between him and Marvin out there (Sordell was rested on the bench after being ill).
“But Jake did really well against Burnley. He’s still building up, he’s a bit short of match fitness so we didn’t think he was right for Tuesday-Saturday-Tuesday.
“He has done very well again tonight and he’ll be in with a shout for playing on Saturday.
“I think he has improved, each game he’s got a little bit better as he’s settled in.
“He’s only a young player without much football in the last couple of years but he works his socks off.
“I think the supporters love the whole-heartedness of the way he plays.
“It’s a nice contrast. We’ve got him on the right tonight and Temps (David Templeton) on the left who caused so many problems in the first half.
“It’s all to no avail when you don’t finish them off.”