Blackpool manager Michael Appleton insists that the 'penny has dropped' with Leeds United loanee Ian Poveda, after his standout performance in the Seasiders' 4-1 demolition of Premier League side Nottingham Forest on Saturday.
Poveda registered a goal and an assist as Blackpool pulled off one of the shock results of the weekend in the FA Cup third round.
The 22-year-old initially struggled to make an impact following his arrival from Leeds on a season-long loan back in the summer. However, Poveda has improved remarkably since the World Cup break, and capped his return to form in style against Forest.
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Appleton feels Poveda is finally starting to establish himself at Bloomfield Road, and believes he is equipped to play in the Premier League.
"It was definitely one of his best performances for us and the goal probably nudges it as the very best. Since the break the penny has dropped a little bit. His work-rate is incredible for a lad in his position," Appleton revealed via the Daily Mail.
The Blackpool boss added: "He still has a lot of learning left in him. There is nothing I can teach him in his ability to go past people. That's just natural. What I can do is help him out of possession, get in good areas to help his team-mates out and hurt the opposition.
"He is a Premier League player, he's just got to believe it. In terms of his passing, crossing and shooting, that's pure ability. He's beginning to understand that the game is not just about when the ball is at his feet."
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