Chris Beech says “wounded animal” George Tanner can get even better for Carlisle United.
The right-back, who will face Bradford City today (Valley Parade, 3pm), has impressed for the Blues in recent weeks.
Ex-Manchester United man Tanner put in a starring display in Wednesday’s win over Salford.
Beech said the promising 21-year-old is showing reasons why the Blues signed him in the summer.
He said he had extra motivation to impress against Salford – and hopes the young defender can shine again today.
“That’s why you recruit players with potential and growth,” Beech said of the full-back’s form.
“Because you see things in them, and understand – and he does as well – that there’s opportunity to get better.
“I’ve been able to work with some great players in the past of similar age, and work really well with them to develop, and they have great careers.
“It’s interesting to see his growth already.
“He was a wounded animal [on Wednesday] because he did spend half of last season [on loan] at Salford and didn’t put a kit on. I think you saw that in his performance.
“Motivation and intentions are massive in any sports person and that’s what you have to try and remain high whoever you’re playing and whoever you are.
“That’s what helps you win events, win football matches. I think George expressed that, especially in the first half, to his maximum – he was taking the ball off the left-winger and the left-back at the same time. He was amazing.
“He’s got to look at that, understand that and try and progress that.”
Beech said it was important Tanner kept learning and refining his game as he continues to progress with the Blues.
“If you’re being really critical, like I often am, the [Salford] goal came from his side of the pitch in the last minute of the game,” United’s boss said.
“You have to make sure when you look at these things, if you want to play higher, you can play not as well but you can affect the game more.
“It’s understanding that. Sometimes it’s less running but making sure your opponent doesn’t have strength at a point when you can change a game.
“But he’s doing really well at the moment.”
Beech is without suspended Callum Guy today and could keep ex-Bantam Danny Devine in United’s midfield after his positive showing against Salford.
Another former Bradford man, Joe Riley, will be hoping to come back in for Guy, with Dean Furman another midfield option for the United boss.
Carlisle could move into the top three today with victory against the third-bottom Bantams.
Beech, meanwhile, believes the midfield options at his disposal reflected by Devine’s good showing in midweek is evidence of progress at Carlisle.
“It’s great, if you also add the great news that Josh Dixon’s come through his bits to be fit, and Taylor Charters has been very patient on the edge of stuff.
“To be fair, he [Charters] probably had a little bit more on-pitch time due to the lack of competitive edge of last season’s squad.
“Now it’s like the bar’s gone higher, so your standards have to raise to meet the bar.
“That’s a great place to be from what we’ve created. The players understand that and are working very hard to adhere to it.”
