Wells has huge potential, says Parkinson
Bradford City manager Phil Parkinson says club striker Nahki Wells has the potential to go far in the game if he’s willing to put in the hard work.The Bermuda international has come on in leaps and bounds since signing with the Bantams in July 2011.He is the club’s current leading goal scorer with 18 goals already this term and is fast becoming popular among Bradford’s adoring fans.Yet while Parkinson is encouraged by Wells’ steady progress at the League Two club, he is quick to stress that there’s always room for improvement.“Every player can improve and Nahki is still young and relatively inexperienced,” he told The Royal Gazette. “But he’s got huge potential."If Nahki thinks he’s the finished article, it would worry me. But he’s a player who always wants to improve and work hard at his game. It’s crucial that he does that."He’s an outstanding finisher and a supreme athlete but has to keep working hard. He’s got to remember that fight and work ethic is so important on the pitch."When he can put that work ethic together with his superb finishing ability then he is a very good player.”Since his arrival at Valley Parade Wells has fit in nicely with his teammates and new surroundings."He’s good around the other players and fits in well with the team,” Parkinson said.Wells is bidding for a place in Bradford’s team for their upcoming League Cup final showdown with Premier side Swansea at England’s iconic Wembley Stadium.Should he be included in the team and get a touch of the ball the 22-year-old striker will become only the third Bermudian footballer behind Shaun Goater and Kyle Lightbourne to play at Wembley but the first to do so in a major English domestic cup final.“I can understand why it’s such big news in Bermuda and he’s just got to make sure he’s selected now,” Parkinson said.Wells’ goals this season have been a vital for a Bantams side pushing for promotion and the League Cup."He’s got 18 goals this season and made a big contribution to us so far and I expect him to continue to do so,” Parkinson said.En route to the League Cup final the Bantams claimed the Premier scalps of Wigan Athletic, Arsenal and Aston Villa to become the first fourth tier side to reach a major English domestic cup final in 51 years.To date no fourth tier side has won a major cup final.Bradford, who are currently tenth in the Npower League Two, are away to Wimbledon tomorrow.The Bantams thrashed Wimbledon 5-1 in the first league encounter at Coral Windows Stadium last August with Wells scoring the game’s opening goal.The former Dandy Town man was an unused sub in his team’s convincing 3-0 win against Wycombe earlier this week.Tomorrow’s contest against bottom side Wycombe at Cherry Red Records Stadium will be Bradford’s last prior to their February 24 League Cup final commitment with Swansea.