Bowyer: Viv Solomon-Otabor has been challenged to step it up

The 22-year-old has taken his game to another level in recent weeks, scoring a fine solo goal in the 5-0 thrashing of Bradford City on Saturday before backing it up with a Man of the Match display against Northampton last night.

The speedy winger, who is on loan from Birmingham City, has netted just four goals this season and Bowyer says he's got to improve on that in the last four games of the season.

“He’s been challenged to step it up," Bowyer revealed.

“Viv is another one who is in his proper full first season. People don’t appreciate how tough that is mentally and physically.

“The difference between youth football and this is absolutely massive. So we’ve had to keep on top of Viv.

"I’ve always told you he reminds me of Perry out of Kevin and Perry.

“We’ve had to keep challenging him and putting demands on him, but he looks at me like ‘why are you shouting at me? Leave me alone for five minutes’.

“But we keep on top of him because we know it brings out the best in him.

“Last couple of games he’s really stepped it up but he’s another one who has got to finish the season so strongly and get a couple more goals and assists.

“That’s how Garry Monk will be judging him at Birmingham. I know Garry well and obviously I will be speaking to him and telling him all about Viv.

“I will only be honest and if he continues the way he’s playing at the moment, it will be a glowing report.”

Another man in a rich vein of form at the minute is midfielder Sean Longstaff, who netted his ninth goal of the season in the midweek win against Northampton.

It wasn't just any goal either, as the 20-year-old found the back of the net with what is rapidly becoming a trademark long-range effort.

Speaking about Longstaff's nine-goal haul, Bowyer said: “It’s an outstanding achievement, especially when you consider it’s his first proper season in league football.

“He’s just a fantastic player in my opinion who has got a great future ahead of him, who works ever so hard, who wants to get better and has that unbelievable habit of scoring from 20 and 30 yards.

“I really hope he gets double figures because it would be a fantastic return.

“It’s about confidence, technique, practice and belief in his own ability to do it consistently.

“The dangerous thing for the opposition is that it’s not just his right foot, he’ll have a go on his left foot as well.

“I think the boy has got a big future ahead of him.”