SWINDON manager Danny Wilson has hinted at a regular inclusion in the first team squad for teenage starlet Alex Henshall.

The 15-year-old was a unused substitute during Tuesday night’s penalty shoot-out win at Exeter in the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy - and had he stepped off the bench Henshall would have become Town’s youngest ever player.

Wilson believes the left winger has got a “great future” ahead of him, and admitted there is a possibility of the youngster being at least part of the matchday squad in the coming weeks.

“We thought long and hard about the situation,” revealed the boss.

“(The Exeter game) is one we didn’t underestimate, but we thought we might get maybe two up and then have the chance to put Alex on at the death when things were comfortable.

“But we never looked like that at the end, which is the only reason he didn’t get on. But we would have put him on, there’s no doubt about it.

“It would be a big step to put him in a league game, but if we believe in him then we would do it.”

Henshall was the subject of an unsuccessful bid from Chelsea last season, while Manchester United and Everton have also expressed an interest in the player, who will link up with the England Under 16 side at the weekend.

And Wilson insists his first team experience at the County Ground can only stand the teenager in good stead for what is expected to be a glittering career.

“Alex is a great talent and has got a great future, and it just goes to show how much we think about the boy by including him on the bench,” he said.

“I just didn’t think it was quite right to put him on because of how finely balanced the game was.

“He’s not there yet - he’s nowhere near there yet - but we do believe he’s got great potential.

“Days like this will help him to relax a bit when he comes in our group, and days of training with us - like he’s had this week - will also help.”

l THE Alan Ball Memorial Game, which was due to take place at the County Ground on Thursday, October 29, has been postponed.

The fixture was due to see ex-professionals and celebrities compete in aid of a number of charities, but the organisers - Alan Ball Soccer Ltd - have decided to put back the event until next year.