Western Daily Press (Saturday)
Pearson keen to manage expectations on Tanner
NIGEL Pearson is determined to manage the expectations on George Tanner and is keen to protect the youngster ahead of his return from injury.
The right-back is training again as he nears recovery from a hamstring injury picked up in the home defeat to Queens Parks Rangers at the end of December, although no timeline has been set for his return to action.
Tanner, 22, showed plenty of promise in his 12 League matches this season after arriving from League Two side Carlisle in August.
The right side has been a problem position for City throughout the campaign, with Pearson utilising six different players out on the flank although none have managed to keep hold of the shirt.
Sam Bell, a striker, started in that position in the defeat to Birmingham but endured a horrible afternoon and was taken off at half-time, with the manager blaming his senior players for leaving him exposed.
With Danny Simpson leaving the club and Zak Vyner falling out of favour, Tanner’s impending return is highly-anticipated, but the manager does not want to put any pressure on him to help his side’s leaky defence.
Speaking at his press conference ahead of today’s Championship clash at Blackburn, he said: “Let’s remember that it’s his first year at this level and he’s done okay, but at times he’s found it difficult, let’s not pile pressure around him.
“Actually, he’s doing very well for his first season in the Championship. He’ll need time to readjust again when he’s available, so I’d be very mindful of exposing him at the right time and if he was available this week, then I wouldn’t pick him.
“It’s very important to manage expectations on the youngster who has done very well to make the step up. He’s looking fitter and leaner than he was and he undoubtedly has a bright future, but let’s not build the lad up to much.
“We’ll see how George develops over the remainder of the season and over the close season period.
“When we brought George in, let’s just remind ourselves of why he was brought in at a time where it was a deal which was doable – it wasn’t necessarily in our plans to do that, but he was available and he has developed really well this season and, unfortunately for him, he’s picked up a couple of injuries.
“You can’t underestimate the added demands on them physically even the added mental challenges of playing at a higher level.
“It’s a big step up to deal with the expectations of playing at a higher level consistently and that’s something that I’m always very mindful of. We don’t have enough options in those areas but that’s life.”
Today’s opponents Blackburn lie fourth in the division, but not in the best of form and with automatic promotion now looking unlikely.
City, who will assess Tomas Kalas ahead of naming their team at Ewood Park, have lost their last three games but remain well clear of the relegation zone.