England U21 coach Stuart Pearce says he was pleased with Town striker Connor Wickham’s performance in Monday’s 2-1 defeat to Iceland at Preston’s Deepdale. The Blues frontman made his first U21 start and won his third cap.

Pearce said: "I thought Connor did quite well. You've got to bear in mind he's 17 years old, so he's extremely young in this age group. He can play in the next two or three tournaments, all being well.

"Maybe he has to tidy his feet up a little bit and keep possession of the ball better once he secures it, but they're learning things for young players.

"He's a big handful physically and he's an improving talent, as they all are. It's my job to make sure I support that.”

Wickham will hope to have done enough to win a place in Pearce's squad for this summer's European U21 Championships in Denmark.

Photo: Action Images

floridaboy added 19:18 - Mar 29 Yes a possible talent but did not do enough for me last night. Actually was a bit disappointed with his performance But he is still learning and hopefully this time next season he will be an under 21 regular and banging in the goals for the Blues - unless he moves over the summer of course!
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Garv added 20:00 - Mar 29 Peacre knows what he's talking about, wickham seems to have clown shoes on half the time, if he sures up his touch he will look a lot better. Great talent anyway, keep it up.
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itfc1981 added 20:42 - Mar 29 Garv can you remember how he brought the ball down for his Sheff U goal? His ball control is one of the things that make him such a great player already. Last night was just a off night. Personaly I didnt like how Pearce used him as a donkey type forward, lumping balls up to him all the time.
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hollywoodginge added 20:54 - Mar 29 Itfc1981 I have to agree with garv, his 1st touch has not yet looked upto it, it will come with experience but also needs to be worked at and coached, between Jewell and Pearce he will be well looked after.
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wisebluey added 21:40 - Mar 29 didn't had any service really ... a couple of bad touch's but not a great game to judge him on. when he did have the ball he did very little wrong .....
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shoopdelang added 22:29 - Mar 29 I will get slated for this, but I have to be honest, I really dont think Connor is anything special. Don't get me wrong he is good, but not breathtaking. And I know its potential so you can't judge him yet, but how many other players have had potential and not lived up to it, just a thought. I'd cash in and try get him loaned back for a season.
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ThatMuhrenCross added 22:35 - Mar 29 I think the U21 set-up are not utilising him well enough. He needs players around him - passers of the ball who will give him chances. Yesterday, that selfish oaf Delfouneso was trying to steal the show all by himself out on the left-wing.. and was hopeless. Wickham needs to play in a two, alongside someone who is playing on the shoulder of the defender making quick little give and goes. He also needs good delivery from set pieces, which wasn't happening at all last night.

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Garv added 22:57 - Mar 29 Agree it wasn't a great role for him to play. Have to say tho he looks 10 times the player he was a year ago, surprisingly he couldn't really head the ball back then but now he wins most balls (except against that blasted Taylor for Watford). Plus I think he is a much better prospect than deano was.
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DiamondGezzer added 08:19 - Mar 30 Like Connor, but I'd still like to see him score a few more. But that will come I guess as he becomes more experienced and we all know that time is on his side. Still don't want to see him leave come summer.
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Calmingwind added 09:17 - Mar 30 i agree with an above poster that he needs to play in a ''two'' someone experienced who he can learn from and play off. if we do indeed play this promised 442 next year then hopefully we will see conner start to shine more often
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cromwellblue added 12:55 - Mar 30 The 'he's only young' will only last a bit longer. There have been many players of his age showing better pedigree at this stage. He needs to show a lot more for the blues to warrant the price tag that is spoken about
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itfc4eva added 13:04 - Mar 30 good. hopefully it will give him a boost and he will help his growing confidence. however with only scotland and him upfront we are going to rely on him to get us these goals.
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Dorsetblue added 13:16 - Mar 30 is he going to be with us next season or is someone going to put in a large bid to sign him? I believe he needs to develop more but it's only time before he departs....
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TimmyH added 13:33 - Mar 30 He's a uncut diamond in the rough at the moment - shows at times naivety in his decision making but he is only 17. Not sure if he will be a prolific scorer though and certainly needs a few more seasons to develop to nearer his full potential. If the right big bid comes in then maybe sell him, but what other big name players will want to come here? you'll probably find his transfer (if and when it happens) will help pay off Towns lack of season ticket sales and the lease on the ground.

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Jim added 13:54 - Mar 30 "Shoopdelang" I could not agree more.
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taylor15 added 22:34 - Mar 30 how can you say that?! i agree totally with itfc1981, his touch to start his surge towards goal against sheffield united - made the goal.. his touch is one of the best aspects of his game!! maybe he didn't have a great game, but i was at the leeds game, and his touch every time was sensational!.. i really don't understand some fans!!
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