Cugley hails his trio of young guns

Midfielder Wright and striker Miller, pictured, are both just 21 while teenage defender Wraight is still only 18.

“These lads are the future of this club,” said the Invicta manager, under whose guidance Johan Ter Horst won a well publicised move to then Premier League Hull City where he won the supporters’ U21 award last season.

Wright collected Folkestone’s young player of the year award last season after announcing his own arrival from Lydd Town with 15 goals. Despite currently struggling with knee ligament problems, Cugley reckons he has still played well when called upon and should be back by Christmas.

He said: “Jordan has done well when he’s played. We’ve been careful how much we’ve played him, but the knee locked up a bit [in the cup replay] on Tuesday.

“He’s due to see the specialist any day now and should be able to get it operated on fairly soon. He’s got private health insurance, which helps.

“I had the same thing myself when I was playing. It’s all keyhole surgery now and not so long in recovery. I’d like to think that he can get it done and be back up and running for us by around Christmas time.”

The impending absence of experienced striker Carl Rook through suspension should mean an extended run in the side for the ex-Hythe player Miller who could feature against East Grinstead Town at the Fullicks Stadium on Saturday when Cugley will be hoping his side can extend their four point lead at the top of Ryman South table.

A Dover lad, he attracted headlines when he made his Gillingham debut at just 16. Despite being an undoubted talent, his fortunes have fluctuated since but Cugley is confident the best is yet to come.

“He seems to be really enjoying his football again now,” said Cugley. “He’s now showing us what a good player he is, and he’s the kind of player we all love to watch. Ashley’s had a lot of things going on in his life and I hope he can settle down and play for us for a long time.”

Local lad Wraight looks set for a run in the side in the next couple of weeks with captain Liam Friend missing three games through suspension.

Cugley added: “I’ve often said how good I believe Callum can become. We had a few problems with him but I hope that’s all behind us. I think he realises more what’s expected and keeps his head down to become the player I believe he can be.”

Image courtesy of www.folkestoneherald.co.uk

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