Aston Villa boss Steven Gerrard is convinced by the potential of Tim Iroegbunam.
Gerrard handed the 18-year-old midfielder his first Premier League start in Saturday's 2-0 win over Norwich City and was quietly impressed by the youngster.
However he wants the local boy from nearby Great Barr to become far more pushy and vocal on and off the park if he is to fill Villa's problem position in defensive midfield.
"He's a really good professional but he needs to find his voice and come out of his shell," said Gerrard.
"He needs to realise he is a first team player now, he needs to use his voice more, he needs to keep pushing himself on a daily basis.
"He's got all the attributes to be a top Premier League player in my opinion. We'll keep working and developing him.
"He's got a really exciting future in front of him and he needs to take confidence and belief with the trust and opportunity that he has had in the last few weeks.
"We trusted him in a big game and sent a clear message to all our academy lads that if you train well and out-train certain individuals, you'll get an opportunity.
"Tim had some good moments and you can see the profile and what he's going to become.
"He can cover ground quickly, he's aggressive and he uses the ball really well.
"There will be plenty more opportunities for him moving forward if he keeps training consistently well."
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