Curle believes 'the penny is dropping' for in-form McWilliams

Keith Curle believes 'the penny is dropping' for Shaun McWilliams after the midfielder's superb display against Sunderland on Saturday.

The 22-year-old academy graduate, who has only just returned to the team following a three-game suspension, produced one of his best performances for the club as Town drew 0-0 with the League One giants.

McWilliams, whilst clearly talented, has encountered problems with both form and fitness during his short career and recently missed nearly 10 months of action due to a serious knee injury.

However, he has made a positive impact on the team in recent weeks, even accounting for his three-game ban following a red card against Doncaster, and now looks to be one of the first names on the teamsheet.

"I think the personnel who have come in have helped us," said Curle speaking after Saturday's well-earned draw. "The experience of Alan has certainly helped and Benny (Ashley-Seal) and (Danny) Rosey have done very well up front.

"We've also brought in Shaun McWilliams who is a defensive minded midfield player. We missed him for three games so to have him back protecting the back three has helped. When you get those players on the pitch on a regular basis, we know we can compete."

On McWilliams specifically, Curle added: "I think it showed how much we missed him previously. We know the strengths that Shaun brings to the team - he's a very competitive player and we're getting him working in the action areas that he needs to be.

"He adds a line of protection to the back three and he covers a lot of ground. He sees the ball, he's competitive in the challenge and I think the penny is dropping for him now because he's understanding the type of player he is."

Saturday's draw made it four points from two games for Town, but it could have been even better after Ryan Watson went down inside the penalty box late in the first-half. Instead of awarding a spot-kick, referee Leigh Doughty booked the midfielder for diving.

Curle said: "From the sideline I thought Ryan made contact with the goalkeeper's trailing leg but that was from 40, 50 yards away.

"The referee had a better vantage point than myself and would have seen it clearer to make his decision."