RICKY Shakes is developing into ‘one hell of a player’ in the eyes of Jamie Cureton, who reckons the World Cup could be his oyster if the winger continues to terrorise Town’s foes on a consistent basis.
The striker has been tremendously impressed with the former Bolton man’s recent displays and feels there is terrific talent in the locker, perhaps even more than Shakes himself realises.
Precision as well as pace is being added to the youngster’s game with each start adding experience into the mix as well.
Walsall struggled to cope with the Trinidad and Tobago man’s pace on Tuesday night and Cureton is urging Shakes (pictured) to run, run and run again.
It might not result in a goal every time but Cureton points to the high percentage of throw ins and corners it will inevitably create for Iffy Onuora’s men, if not always the killer cross.
There is also the small matter of boosting Cureton’s – and in turn the team’s – goal tally.
The striker feels Shakes could be the key to him adding another 10 goals to his collection before the campaign is out.
Cureton said: “I told him, even before I left on loan, he frightens everyone and there’s not many people that can live with him.
“He’s now getting the quality of the crosses in if we put crosses in the box then we’re going to get chances. That’s what I thrive off.
“When you’re only getting in a couple of crosses a game then you’re not going to score goals.
“If he keeps producing performances like that (against Walsall) then what an opportunity for him. Most people never play in a World Cup. He just needs to focus, realise what he’s got and use it.
“I’ve told him to keep running at people all game. It’s tiring but you’ll create more for the team, more opportunities for yourself and look a different class player.
“He just needs to know when to do it and when not to. But at the moment if we can keep him doing that, keep him positive, keep encouraging him then we’ve got one hell of a player on our hands.
“Ricky’s got blistering pace. If I had half his pace I’d be delighted. Unless you’re playing in the Premiership most defenders don’t have the pace to match.
“I’m on at him all the time. He could create another 10 goals for me. If I can help him, he helps me then it helps the whole team. We have to try and get the best out of every individual on the pitch.”
While Shakes is one man Cureton can benefit from, he admits playing alongside a big striker has also helped.
He said: “On the whole, ‘little and large’ normally works at this and Championship level. I’m confident, whether it be Lee, Trevor or whoever, that I can reach my goals target, maybe a few more.”