Haynes to Learn From Walcott

Theo Walcotts outstanding performance for England on Wednesday night demonstrated the coming-of-age of a promising youngster. Ipswich, like most clubs, are no strangers to a promising youngster struggling to find his way in the game, but could England and Walcotts breakthrough provide a blueprint for Ipswich and Danny Haynes?

First things first- Danny Haynes does not posess talent and potential at the level of which Theo Walcott is demonstrating. In the simplest way, the gulf in the playing level that each of them operate on week to week, is evidence of this.

However, its undeniable that, even at their relative levels, there are similarities in both. Both are blessed with outstanding pace, both have suffered criticism in the past for their lack of end product and both have struggled to find a role in their current teams and therefore hold down a starting spot.

Yet, with Walcott appearing to have made something of a breakthrough this season, both with Arsenal and England, can Ipswich harness the undoubted talents of Danny Haynes in a similar manner?

In Jon Walters, Town have become very familiar playing with a wide midfielder who is comfortable in becoming an additional forward when the play dictates. We are currently collecting an array of midfield players who are comfortable playing in front of the defence, protecting when needed, but who are also adept at playing the killer forward pass when required. In Pablo Counago, we also have a forward who can drop off and link with the midfield as well as any forward in the division.

All are elements which, with different players, formed much of the basis for Englands success in Zagreb this week.

So, the platform for Danny Haynes is in place, should the management wish to use it. The biggest problem in all of this, of course, is Haynes own ability to read the game and therefore match Theo Walcotts impact for England in the Championship. Danny has struggled in the past when attempting to find a way into games- Haynes is rarely to be seen timing a run in behind the defence for his teammate to play him in on goal. Perhaps the player isnt instructed to do so currently, or perhaps he needs coaching in this particular area.

What does seem true though is that, if the player is able to make those runs, we have players to give him the passes whilst protecting the team sufficiently enough to allow him to do so. If he proves able to fill that role, it could well enable him to finally make that breakthrough and realise that long-held promise.