Scowen tipped for top after coming in from the cold (From Bucks Free Press)

Scowen tipped for top after coming in from the cold

9:20am Sunday 7th October 2012 in Sport By Andy Carswell

THREE weeks ago Josh Scowen was playing in front of 500 people in non-league football - now he's being tipped for great things by Wanderers caretaker boss Gareth Ainsworth.

The teenager was sent out on loan to Conference South side Eastbourne Borough at the start of the season, having not featured for Blues since April 2011.

It looked like his days at Adams Park were numbered, but one of the first things Ainsworth did after taking the manager's role was to recall Scowen from his time on the south coast.

He's played in all three of the matches Ainsworth's been in charge for and excelled in all of them, being named man of the match in both of his Adams Park appearances.

The 19-year-old repaid the caretaker manager's faith in him by scoring the winning goal against Torquay on Saturday.

It was his first as a professional footballer - not that it's one that will stick in the memory.

Asked what he remembered of the goal that sealed a 2-1 win, Scowen said: "Not a lot to be fair - it's all a bit of a blur. I can't really remember it. I remember jumping, I put my head in and next thing I know it's in the net."

Ainsworth said: "I'm so pleased for that kid because he's done fantastically.

"He's not the finished article, he still needs to be taught certain things - and I told him out there in no uncertain terms - but he's got the potential to be a very good midfield player.

"He reads danger superbly and for his size, don't underestimate Josh Scowen because he will surprise you."

And Scowen was quick to return the compliment: "Gaz is really good, he gets you motivated, he helps you on the pitch. He's always talking and he's really good to have as manager."

Ainsworth says football is all about what the team can achieve and Scowen follows that philosophy.

He said: "It's about the team rather than just my performance. They are helping me get along and I'm helping them."