Paul Warne issues firm stance as he reveals 'candid' talks with Derby County winger
by Leigh Curtis · Derbyshire LivePaul Warne has revealed he has had a "candid" conversation with winger Corey Blackett-Taylor as the Derby County winger fights for a first-team place.
The former Charlton man has yet to really make an impact since his move from the Valley last January and has only started two games this season.
There has been clamour in some quarters for him to play more games but Derby head coach Warne said he discussed the situation with the winger on Monday.
"He's been unlucky as have a few others," he said. "I had a conversation with Corey yesterday and it was a candid conversation. If I play three at the back then the chances of him playing are less.
"He's not a wing-back in the Championship and he's not a nine. You could argue well why have him on the bench which would be valid, but if I changed the system then I would put him on.
"Going forward, he showed glimpses of greatness. He started a couple of games and wasn't as effective as I would have liked. But it's my job to pick the best players that I think who are going to win. The players in front of him have done very well.
"It's my opinion but other people will want Marcus Harness playing left wing, but we see him (Corey) in training every day. If we think he is making all the right steps and in games if we can use him, and that's sounds awful, we will play him.
"If you play you have to play at a level that we have to play you again and again. It's the same as I didn't bring Kenzo on against Preston. I said this to Corey, if the tactics don't suit that player, they don't play.
"If we play with a shape that consists of wingers then Corey has to keep training to a level that says I have to play him. I am not going to put him in through charity. It's his job to get in the team not mine to put him in it."