Andy Cole Tips James Wilson For The Top

Manchester United legend Andy Cole expects teenage striker James Wilson to have a big future at the club.

The 18-year-old, who scored twice on his senior debut against Hull City last May, came off the bench at MK Dons in the Capital One Cup to make his second Reds appearance.

Wilson was twice denied by superb saves from David Martin as he attempted to add to the four goals he netted in the Manchester Senior Cup final in his only other competitive outing this month.

"I've got MUTV at home and it gives me the opportunity to watch the young players at Old Trafford and see how they're progressing," Cole told ManUtd.com. "Wilson is definitely one for the future.

"He scores goals and when you're doing that as a centre-forward at this football club, you always have half a chance.

"He knows how to hit the back of the net. He finishes well and he's got a good left foot. He's very direct as well - he likes to pick it up and run at people. He'll have a big future."

The former United marksman believes Wilson is ready for first-team football but may have to leave Old Trafford in the short term in order to achieve this objective.

"It is a big step [up to United's senior side]," declared Cole during the Apollo 'Go the Distance' pitch launch. "At some stage, he will be given another chance. If it's not in the first team, he will go out on loan somewhere. When you have talent like that, you have got to give them the opportunity in some shape or form.

"If he doesn't end up in the first team here soon, as we've got some good quality strikers, I do believe he'll go on loan and, when he goes on loan, he'll do very well."