Kevin Watson says Stevenage striker Dipo Akinyemi could have a ‘big future’ in the game.

The former Potters Bar Town hitman joined Aldershot Town on loan three weeks ago and scored on his debut for the National League club in a 2-1 defeat to Lincoln City in a match Boro assistant manager Watson went to.

The 18-year-old was an unused substitute on Saturday in Aldershot’s defeat at home to Cheltenham Town but despite this, Watson believes that if the youngster starts to get games while out on loan with the Shots he could be a real player for Boro in the future once he returns to the club.

“I know Chris Barker very well, who is the assistant at Aldershot. Dipo needs games and so he took him,” Watson said.

“I went and watched him and he was man-of-the-match against Lincoln and got a goal, and he could have had a couple more.

“He looked sharp and he looked bright, but he’s young. Bear in mind he was at Potters Bar last year.

“He’s certainly one for the future and it will do him the world of good to get out and play games.

“Go and play five or six games in a month and if he does well stay there and go and play another five or six. All the time keep learning”

Watson added: “He’s not going to be in our starting XI at the minute so it’ll benefit him to get out there.

“[He is] a young forward, a little bit erratic, but with what he’s got he could be a real threat.

“If he just gets hold of the bit and listens, gets hold of the ball and gets his chances.

“He’s pacy, he’s strong.

“He could be a real threat and could have a big future in the game, but for now let him go and learn and get goals.”