Skipper Mark Hudson says fellow defender Joe Wilkinson has what it takes to be a future Huddersfield Town star.
The 19-year-old academy product from Dewsbury made his debut in the 2-2 home draw with Blackburn Rovers.
He became the third development player blooded by Chris Powell this season after defender William Boyle, who came off the bench at home to Reading, and forward Jake Charles, who featured as a substitute against Fulham at the John Smith’s Stadium.
Wilkinson, who started the game and featured on the right side of defence, might have had an unfortunate role in Blackburn’s second goal.
Even though the ball was going out of play for a goal kick, he gave away the corner from which Town old boy Jordan Rhodes headed home.
But Hudson, 33, said there was plenty for Wilkinson, who came in at the expense of groin injury victim Reece James, to be pleased about.
In pictures: Huddersfield Town 2-2 Blackburn Rovers
“I thought he settled into the team well,” said the former Cardiff City man.
“He was thrown in and didn’t know much about it beforehand because Reece was given until the last minute to prove himself.
“I was pleased for Joe to get his debut. The only pity was he had to go off with a bit of cramp.”
Hudson was quick to excuse suggestions Wilkinson made an error by conceding that corner.
“Sometimes those situations are difficult for a defender,” he explained.
“If you’re not sure then you’ve got to head it away.
“What happened was unfortunate. But we’ve still got to deal with the corner, which we didn’t.”
While Wilkinson was making his senior bow, it was Hudson’s 41st Town appearance.
He hasn’t missed a match since arriving from Cardiff, for whom he played three times at the start of this season. Over his whole career, Hudson, who has also turned out for Fulham, Oldham Athletic, Crystal Palace and Charlton Athletic, has played 406 games.
