Doncaster boss Grant McCann has heaped praise on Leeds loanee striker Mallik Wilks after his side’s 3-3 draw with Gillingham on Saturday.
McCann bemoaned two points dropped in what he called a one-sided game but Wilks came in for high praise after getting on the scoresheet for the fourth time in 14 games for the League One side.
Talking after the game McCann said, “He was outstanding, hard to play against, strong, quick. There were a couple of bits he needs to learn… but eventually he’ll get better at these things as he comes along. I was pleased for Mallik [and John] to get on the scoresheet today.”
REACTION | Grant McCann praised @MallikWilks after the @LUFC loanee scored in the draw with @TheGillsFC.https://t.co/JzXLWrni1c #DRFC pic.twitter.com/s1nI51krvm
— Doncaster Rovers FC (@drfc_official) October 21, 2018
OPINION
Wilks has been steadily impressing in his loan spell at Doncaster and he scored another goal on Saturday – that’s four for the 19-year-old already this season. Yesterday’s goal was a fine reaction to getting dropped for the first time last season in the game against Rochdale, which his side won 3-2 last week. McCann reinstated Wilks to the starting line-up this weekend and he repaid him, scoring the second and equalising goal in the 67th minute after Gillingham had gone two up in the first-half. Paul Taylor had to come to their rescue again in the 91st minute after Gillingham had threatened to walk off with all three points late on. Wilks’ loan spell is going well and it’s brilliant to hear superlatives like “outstanding” credited to him by his manager. McCann is spending a lot of time with Wilks and said recently that he talks to him more than he does his children. That can only be a good thing for the Leeds’ youngster who will be hoping to force himself into Bielsa’s reckoning when he comes back to Elland Road in January. However, an extended loan spell at Doncaster might be better for his development.