IFFY Onuora hopes Trinidad and Tobago international Ricky Shakes returns to the County Ground buzzing and that his winning start to life with the Soca Warriors can provide a big shot in the arm to Town’s fight for survival.
The noise and carnival atmosphere generated on the former Bolton youngster’s international debut against Iceland on Tuesday was a far cry from the gloom of Saturday’s 7-1 defeat at Nottingham Forest.
And if a touch of the Loftus Road magic can return with Shakes then his manager won’t be complaining.
The young midfielder has suffered as much as anyone in Town’s last two matches but although he has become something of a ‘regular’ in recent months Onuora has pointed out that he is far from the finished article.
Onuora was among the spectators as Shakes’ second-half display helped his Trinidad and Tobago side to a 2-0 win over Iceland.
The Town boss said: “Obviously we’re all delighted for Ricky and I’m sure playing for your country is a fantastic experience.
“It’s great for the player but I’m hoping we at Swindon Town will also benefit from it as well. Different experiences like this can only add to a young player and hopefully his confidence as well.”
Confidence shouldn’t be a problem, especially with the encouraging post-match comments of Trinidad coach Leo Beenhakker, promising to keep close tabs on the player as he tries to put together his squad for the finals in Germany.
Onuora, who has shown his faith in Shakes by offering him a new deal at the County Ground, is just pleading for a little patience where the new Trinidad and Tobago international is concerned.
He said: “By his own admission, Ricky hasn’t quite reached the level of performance of late that he had been showing.
“He’s not alone in that though and I think what people have to remember is that this is still his first full season as a player.
“Any manager would love to have a youngster who plays to the same level week in and week out but young players don’t always display that consistency at this age and dips in form do occur.
“It’s a question of patience. We are patient with him, we continue to work with him and we’re delighted with him.”