DOUGIE Wilson has been tipped to shine at Grimsby Town – by his friend Jamie Devitt.
The Hull City midfielder completed a loan switch to the Mariners yesterday, and could make his Town debut against Kidderminster Harriers this afternoon.
Like Devitt, the 19-year-old has moved across the Humber for the remainder of the season.
And Town's left-winger believes his pal has all the necessary ingredients to assist the Mariners' Conference title push.
"He's very good on the ball and likes to get stuck in as well, so I think Dougie will be a really good addition to the team," Devitt told the Telegraph.
"He's a centre-mid with two sides to his game – he can do the dirty side and then get it down and play decent football.
"He's 19 but he plays the game as if he is a lot older. I think he'll do really well at Grimsby Town.
"If and when he's given a chance he will take it, and that can only benefit the whole team."
Originally hailing from County Armagh in Northern Ireland, Wilson has been on City's books since the age of 16.
Wilson's promise yielded a first pro contract last summer and under-19 honours.
And the youngster's full debut followed in the Tigers' FA Cup Third Round clash against Leyton Orient in January. That cameo off the bench left manager Steve Bruce – and Devitt – impressed.
"I know him from playing in the Reserves with him this season and last season, and he's improved a lot," Devitt added.
"He will keep improving, especially with the staff here and at Hull.
"He was in the squad for the FA Cup game with Orient earlier this year and came on as a sub. After that, the manager was full of praise for him.
"The managers here spoke to me on Thursday and said they had enquired about Dougie.
"When I spoke to him, he told me that he just wants to gain some first-team experience, which is great news for both parties."
With Derek Niven still a recovering from an adductor tendon injury, Wilson will battle it out with Craig Disley, Andi Thanoj and Frankie Artus for a central midfield berth.
Irishman Devitt said: "There's a lot of competition in the middle of the park here and they all bring something different to the side.
"Now it's up to the managers to decide which way they want to play and who they stick in there.
"It's great to have competition like that, and Dougie will add something different to the mix.
"He's good a good character and likes a bit of banter which is always a bonus – we have a good laugh at each other and I'm sure he'll fit in brilliantly with the other lads.
"He came across from Northern Ireland, so we have a bit of rivalry! But seriously, he's a great lad and will be a fantastic addition."
