David Wagner says Kyle Dempsey could play a key role for Huddersfield Town next season.
And the head coach has also said Karim Matmour could be staying in West Yorkshire.
Wagner handed 20-year-old Dempsey an 11th start and 23rd Town appearance in all in the 1-1 home draw with Birmingham City.
The £300,000 buy from Carlisle United took Tommy Smith’s right-back berth.
And Wagner said: “This is the position where I think he will have the best opportunity to help our team.
“For this we have to give him the chance to perform.
“He has played there in the past and it’s time to give him a new chance.
“Then we will know if we need a right-back to compete with Tommy Smith, or if we have him in our own squad already.
“Maybe Kyle will get other chances in the next two weeks.
“I thought he did well. He was very focused, very strong, good in defence one v one, and good in his positioning and passing.
“I was totally satisfied with his performance.
“And from what I have seen in the last five months, I think he has a good chance to be the competitor to Tommy.”
Wagner signed former Algerian international forward Matmour on a short-term deal in January.
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Town have the option to keep the 30-year-old, who came off the bench against Birmingham and came close to a spectacular stoppage-time goal, for a further year.
“We will take the time we need with Karim,” said Wagner, who will be the guest of the Town Patrons at PPG Canalside on Tuesday (7.00, members only).
“As a substitute, he gave us some positive moments (against Birmingham).
“He is a great character as well and we will find a solution together.”
