Tranmere Rovers v Huddersfield Town preview: Dale Jennings’ return can make a difference

Apr 1 2011 by Nick Hilton, Liverpool Echo

DALE JENNINGS’ return to action can bring fresh impetus to Tranmere’s fight to stay clear of relegation, striker Enoch Showunmi believes.

Jennings, shaking off a six-week spell on the sidelines with a groin injury, is lined up for his third senior comeback appearance against Huddersfield Town at Prenton Park tomorrow.

Showunmi reckons the 18-year-old can start taking League One defences by surprise – just as he did when breaking into the Rovers side in the autumn.

“Dale has been off the scene for a couple of months so maybe teams have forgotten about him,” Showunmi said.

“So it is like having a little secret weapon coming back into the team to frighten defenders with his pace and power. When players come back, it can be like having a new signing.

“If he comes back and is the same as before and gets a few goals, I’m sure it will be good for the club.”

Big-spending promotion chasers Huddersfield were among the clubs to make enquiries about Jennings during the January transfer window.

Showunmi, Tranmere’s 11-goal leading scorer this season, has no doubt the youngster has the potential to reach the top.

“Dale plays with freedom and has almost no respect for the opposition,” Showunmi said. “That’s down to his lack of experience in a way. He just goes out and plays his own game and is confident.

“How far it goes in the game is up to him and his attitude. But he has the talent to go all the way.”

Manager Les Parry reckons Jennings needs to overcome issues with a hard task master who is always on his case – himself.

“Dale’s problem is Dale,” Parry said. “He is his own biggest critic. When he tries something and it does not come off, he gets uptight about it. He does not get mad with other people, just himself.

“We are doing some work with him to reduce the effects of that. But I think it’s a credit to him as well. He sets his standards and when he falls below them he is not happy.”

Parry added: “I think purely on talent, you’d be hard pressed to find anyone his age that can affect the game is much as Dale can. He could certainly play in the Premier League if he continues to progress.”

Parry will be forced to make at least one defensive change – Ian Goodison begins a two-match suspension after collecting his 10th booking of the season in the goalless draw at Oldham Athletic on Monday. Goodison’s centre-back partner Mark McChrystal is doubtful with a hamstring strain and is being kept under cotton wool this week ahead of a late fitness test.

Tranmere can fall back on the central defensive cover provided by versatile players such as Ash Taylor, Maxime Blanchard and Michael Kay.