Chris Aitken admits Daniel McManus’ outstanding performances for East Kilbride have him fearing the talented teen could return to parent club St Mirren before the end of the season.
The Buddies have appointed Stephen Robinson as their new boss after Jim Goodwin left his post to take up the top job at Aberdeen on Saturday.
And Kilby gaffer Aitken says the new boss at St Mirren Park might want McManus in their squad, such has been the performances of the 18-year-old.
McManus, who lives in Lindsayfield, scored for EK in a 3-0 win away to Spartans on Saturday in the Lowland League and Aitken never ceases to be amazed by the midfielder’s displays.
He just hopes he can hold onto him for the last few months of the season as they chase silverware in the South Challenge and Lowland League Cups.
Aitken said: “I’ve kept in touch with St Mirren and I know they’ve got high hopes for Daniel.
“And with a new manager coming in there, anything could happen. They might want to bring him back in so the manager can see what he’s got.
“If that does happen, then Daniel will be going back a much-improved player for his experience here.
“St Mirren will be doing their homework on their player, so there’s every chance that could happen. He’s playing at a really high standard for someone who is just a young kid.
“It’s easy for young players to play one or two good games and then they drop off a bit, but when I don’t have the wee man in my team, the whole team misses him, not just me.
“That tells you what he brings to the squad. We’ll just have to wait and see. Hopefully we keep him until the end of the season. If not, and he has to go back, then I’ll be the first to shake his hand and congratulate him because he’s been a revelation for me.
“I think he’s a real contender to get another contract there.”
McManus has already been back and forth this season, having joined Kilby in July before returning for a brief spell to help Saints out amid a Covid crisis in December.
That led to McManus being handed his first-team debut by Goodwin in a 0-0 Premiership draw at home to Celtic.
Aitken added: “Daniel has been absolutely outstanding for me.
“The change in him since he came in, from day one to now, is remarkable.
“That’s credit to him for all his hard work.
“He’s relished playing first team football and relished playing against men week in, week out.
“His goal on Saturday was just a touch of class. He showed good composure, took it on to his left and just passed it into the far corner.
“There is no doubt in my mind that this kid can play higher up the levels.
“He is a great footballer and he’s got a will to learn - and that’s a really big thing.”
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