ANTHONY Stewart has made a big impression with Wanderers players and management after being handed a starting place in the team.

The youngster was a surprise inclusion in the team when he was pitched into a physical battle at Stevenage a fortnight ago, having only made one first team appearance before then.

He excelled on that occasion and impressed again in his next two games before a twisted knee forced him off midway through the Easter Monday loss at Chesterfield.

And manager Gary Waddock said: "He's done very well. It was a shame he picked up the injury because he's done very, very well for a young lad coming in at this level.

"I put him in because he deserves to go in. I don't just put them in for the sake of putting them in. He's earned the right, he's a good footballer.

"You don't know how they're going to perform until you put them in. You're always guessing will he be able to cope with it, will he be able to adapt to this level, and credit to him he's done extremely well.

"He'll reflect back on the games he's played come the end of the season and he'll probably say he's taken a number of steps forward in his own development. That's good for him."

Team-mate Gary Doherty, who has partnered him in the last three games at centre half, is also impressed with what he's seen from the 19-year-old.

The Charlton loanee said: "For a young lad coming into high pressure games, he's been very solid and comfortable on the ball.

"He's doing well. He hasn't looked out of place and that's the best thing you can say about the lad. He needs to keep it going."

With Dave Winfield still struggling with a thigh problem Waddock will be hopeful that Stewart, who was reportedly being watched by Liverpool in pre-season, recovers in time to face Oldham on Saturday.

The Blues boss said: "If he's fit for the weekend he's got a chance of playing again."