Hartlepool United head coach Anthony Limbrick has heaped praise on teenager Louis Stephenson.

It's been a generally difficult campaign for the 19-year-old. Having broken into the side at the back end of last term under Kevin Phillips, Stephenson featured in all of the first six games of the season but fell out of favour following a difficult afternoon against Wealdstone in late August when he was substituted at half time.

Stephenson was subsequently shipped out on loan to Northern Premier League sides Blyth Spartans and Whitby Town and didn't seem to inspire confidence in veteran manager Lennie Lawrence when he returned to the Prestige Group Stadium.

He was brought back into the fold by Limbrick, who has experience of working with young players through his roles in the academies of Southampton, West Ham and Peterborough, as well as a stint with the England under-17s. Stephenson returned to action as a substitute during last month's stalemate with relegation-threatened Maidenhead but looked close to tears after he missed a golden chance to win the game in added time. Even so, he was promoted to the starting XI for the visit of Altrincham three days later and looks to be beginning to rebuild his confidence.

Anthony Limbrick's promotion to the top job at the beginning of last month seems to have helped bring the best out of Louis Stephenson, who has started the last two games and looks to be growing in confidence. Picture by Frank Reid.

placeholder image — Anthony Limbrick's promotion to the top job at the beginning of last month seems to have helped bring the best out of Louis Stephenson, who has started the last two games and looks to be growing in confidence. Picture by Frank Reid.

Having lost his place in the side again, Stephenson has started the last two games following a hamstring injury to Dan Dodds, who limped off eight minutes into the draw at Eastleigh three weeks ago. The young defender has grabbed his chance with both hands, impressing against Solihull Moors and Boston, playing the full 90 minutes as Limbrick's side ended a run of eight games without a win thanks to a thumping 4-1 victory over a resurgent Pilgrims outfit at the weekend.

It's impossible not to admire Stephenson. While he, inevitably, still has a lot to learn, his passion, determination, energy and fearlessness means he looks at home in a Pools side packed full of far more experienced players. As a local lad who wears his heart on his sleeve, he seems to understand the importance of the football team to the people of the town and has a strong bond with the fanbase. Limbrick was full of praise for his character after a relentless display on Saturday.

"I've been really impressed with his character," he said.

"I think he embodies everything that Hartlepool United are about. He cares so much, it would have hurt him so much not scoring that chance. He's all-action, he had stitches in his leg after the last game and I listened to the interview with him, it was fantastic. He trained all week, he needs to become more of a learner in order to develop. I think he's got a lot to learn but he's still young. He's been worthy of his place.

"I think him and Billy Sass-Davies should have a special mention. They've come in and been fantastic. It was tricky today (against Boston), with their changes in shape and formation but I think Billy and Louis covered really well on that side. Billy's helping Louis, and Louis is helping Billy too. I'm really pleased for them both."

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