James Collins says George Cooper will only grow in confidence after U-21 showing.

James Collins says that youngster George Cooper is heading in the right direction after he scored twice for the club’s Development Squad against Watford yesterday, but the coaching staff want the Warrington-born forward to show his potential on a more consistent basis.

Cooper demonstrated his finishing capabilities when finishing off two sublime passes from Callum Ainley to help the Under-21s record a 5-3 win over Harry Kewell’s Watford side at Gresty Road.

The club’s first-team coach told the club’s official web-site: “It was good to see George Cooper score two goals for the Development Squad. It should give him some confidence because he also played well in the game and showed moments of quality.

“George has had a bit of an up-and-down period this season and by his own admission he will tell you that he has not done as well as he would have liked when he has come off the bench.

“The gaffer has stuck with him and put him on in games because we know what he is capable of. He is a potential match winner but at the same time we have to remember how young he is.

“He knows he has to become more consistent to start games and to get past those players that are currently ahead of him in the team.”