Boss hails Wells’ desire

Nahki Wells was lavished with more praise last night after his eye-catching performance for Huddersfield Town at the weekend.

Wells failed to get on the scoresheet but terrorized the Barnsley defence with four assists in the 5-0 Championship win.

It was the perfect response to criticism of his recent displays as he adjusts to life as the club’s record signing.

The 23-year-old conceded he had produced some flat performances after a goalscoring start to his Terriers career following a £1.3-million move from Bradford City — and there was some knee-jerk hostility on some fans’ messageboards. But Wells once again proved his mental strength and focus with a forward display that earned him a place in the Sky Bet Football League Team of the Week.

“He’s a great lad; very hungry with a desire to do well,” boss Mark Robins said at a fans’ forum last night. “He thinks about his game a lot.”

Wells was happy with his display, although he had to bow to the more senior Adam Clayton when it came to taking the penalty, Clayton taking the ball off Wells to deny the Bermudian the goal he craved.

“As a striker you always want to score,” said Wells.

“But there is more to the job than just getting goals, and against Barnsley, I had an impact in a different way, by creating chances for others.”

The striker has admitted he is still learning after stepping up a level.

He added: “I’ve jumped into a new division with a new team and things still need to settle down. But the manager has faith that I’m the right guy and I’ve got to keep repaying that faith with good performances.”

Robins added: “I was hoping Nahki would get a goal but he created opportunities for others and was at the heart of everything we did.”