United head coach David Hockaday is pleased with the progress being shown by the club’s youngsters.

A number of Academy graduates made the trip to Italy earlier this month including 17-year-old Lewis Cook who is gaining high praise for his performance against Guiseley on Saturday.

Cook isn’t the only player to receive praise as the head coach is happy with all the club’s youngsters.

“I rate him very highly, he is a good player,” said the head coach of Lewis Cook. “We have got a lot of good young players here and we are having a look at them.

“I took some of them over to Italy and people will get their chance here. I’ve been impressed with a lot of the young players.

“When you look at my background it shows that I give young players a chance. With me, if you are good enough you are old enough.

“Lewis, among with the other young players have acquitted themselves very well.”

VIDEO: HOCKADAY ON GUISELEY AND COOK

United have currently added five new faces to the squad and the head coach says patience may be needed as the new players settle into the English game, but he insists the team will be ready for Millwall on August 9.

“The new players have got to acclimatise themselves to the English game, the culture, the food, language and the tempo of the games,” added the boss.

“Some will fly early doors but some may need a bit of time to walk before they can run.

“We are going to have to be patient but we are looking at different combinations and systems to make sure we are ready for Millwall.”