Sam Slocombe has heaped praise on Notts County goalkeeper Tiernan Brooks for his performances in recent weeks, applauding the staff at the club for allowing the 20-year-old to showcase his talents.
The Magpies number one is expected to return to the first-team fold for this weekend's National League fixture with Scunthorpe at Meadow Lane, having missed the last three games with a minor injury picked up in preparations for their 1-1 draw with Bromley.
With Norwich City loanee Archie Mair also at the club, Magpies chief Luke Williams opted for Brooks to deputise in his absence, producing some encouraging displays during his time in the spotlight.
READ MORE: Notts County schedule minute's applause in memory of Scunthorpe United fan
While not able to keep a clean sheet during his three appearances, the similarities between himself and Slocombe were evident - both comfortable with the ball at their feet and adapting to the style of play instilled by the Notts head coach.
"I think he acquitted himself very well," said Slocombe when asked about Brooks' performances during his absence. "Tiernan is a very confident boy and I think that is seen in his performances.
"What we both have the luxury of playing in this team is that the majority of games you don't have a huge amount of actions to make, and he will have seen a lot of difference between the two loans he has had this year to playing in our team, he looked confident in possession which is a vital thing within this team.
"He spoke with me a couple of times after the games to discuss the speed of how the games were was something a little bit different to what he was used to, which is expected, I didn't expect anything different.
"He set himself a really good standard and it was good to see him do that, he has been in and around the goalkeepers ever since I have been here and he's an ambitious lad, sometimes maybe a little too ambitious and perhaps has to wait his turn a little bit, but he has seen other goalkeepers come in of a similar age and get opportunities so I can understand that he was a little bit frustrated with them up until now.
"It was about waiting for the right time that was suitable for him and when the coaching staff deems it is the right opportunity for him, I think you have to be very appreciative of the manager, staff, and Tom Weal to do that.
"There have been opportunities earlier in the season when they could have put him in but for one reason or another they didn't, but it's also made it very aware that once he has come in this time he has come into the team and done really well - so in hindsight, those decisions have been fantastic.
"I am sure he will be frustrated that the decision was not made earlier, but we are all footballers and want to play as early as possible, but in hindsight, they are fantastic decisions to allow him to come in and flourish."
Previously, Brooks had spent time on loan at Hednesford Town and Boston United before returning to Meadow Lane at the end of last month, plying his trade in Southern League Premier Division and National League North.
The 20-year-old highlighted the experience of going out on loan as crucial in preparing him for his professional debut for the club - with Slocombe explaining how his first taste of first-team football at the club will drive his determination further to cement a regular spot.
"It will definitely make him hungrier for more that's for sure and knowing what it's like.
"For Tiernan, he has a long career ahead of him as long as he keeps working how he does day in, day out. He has standards that he sets himself which are high, but also a bit of modesty to understand when is the right time for him to get the opportunities.
"It could be a case of even next year he may have to go on loan, he may be playing first-team football here, but just to understand at what point in his career he is and take those opportunities when they come.
"He probably wanted to play a higher level than what he did during his two loans this year, but those experiences that he has gone and got this season have helped him coming into the team with us and it will be important for him going forward to rack up those minutes, and if those minutes are in this league, the league below, or the league above, I am sure the club will make the right decisions around him and his future as well."
READ NEXT:
- Ruben Rodrigues explains 'beautiful' relationship with Notts County fans ahead of Community Day fixture
- Five things learned from Notts County's 1-1 draw with Barnet
- Kyle Cameron yet to concede Notts County title hopes as first half showing analysed
- Luke Williams sends Notts County message following Barnet draw
