Harry Pickering’s performance at left-back against Bury has certainly provided David Artell with food for thought as we approach the new season. The Academy graduate was handed a start at Gigg Lane, as Artell and his staff wanted to see how Pickering fared against League One opposition.
He more than held his own in the 1-1 draw and has shown that he is ready to make that step up into first team football if needs be.
Artell said of Pickering’s display: “We want to know if Harry is ready. We sort of knew already but I think it was important that he got a game against a tough opponent. How perhaps he believes that as well.
“He was terrific for us. I am not sure if he will eventually end up as a left-back because he has a lot of qualities to offer further up the pitch as well, but for him to gain first-team football it may be at left-back.
“I’m sure Zooms will have something to say about that but I would much prefer to have selection headaches than not enough players and Harry has done himself no harm with the way he played at Bury.
“He has set a standard now and he has to build on that.”