Paterson urges caution over Holmes expectations

The teenage midfielder is the talk of the Town faithful following the manner of his step-up to the first team this season.

Holmes may have only started one game – the derby win over Leeds United – but the Academy graduate has produced a string of impressive cameo displays from the bench.

The latest came against in-form Derby County on Boxing Day, when the youngster helped change the game after being introduced just before the hour mark. The highlight came when setting up Paterson for the late equaliser that ended the Rams’ run of seven straight wins.

Holmes is now pressing for a start at home to struggling Yeovil Town tomorrow. Paterson admits to being a big fan of his American-born team-mate but the striker is also urging caution.

He said: “We all know how talented Duane is, but he is only 19 and you have to be careful. If you use him too much and things don’t go well, his head could drop and it could make things difficult.

“However, I think the fans here have an exciting time ahead of them – because I would pay to watch him every week.

“When he comes on, he sets goals up for fun – and that is tough.

“I don’t think I could come on (and play) in the hole and start creating chances.

“He shifts well and goes past people. There is no doubt that he is a good player. We just have to bring him through properly.

“It will be interesting to see if he can make that transition into the team in 2014. I’m sure he will, because he is one hell of a player.”

Yeovil will arrive in West Yorkshire with the stinging criticism of manager Gary Johnson still ringing in their ears.

The Glovers manager was furious with the manner of his side’s Boxing Day defeat at Bournemouth and has demanded a reaction.

Town, meanwhile, are just looking to build on their second-half display against Derby and last Saturday’s goalless draw at Brighton & Hove Albion.

Manager Mark Robins said: “We have taken two points against the form teams in the division and we need to be in the market for a good victory on Sunday.

“If we are not at it, we will get turned over. A win would round off a decent 2013.”

Robins will give top scorer James Vaughan as long as possible to recover from the knee injury that kept him out of the Boxing Day draw with Steve McClaren’s promotion-chasing Derby.