But the head coach also says the Blues must take a balanced approach with the youngster’s first-team involvement.

Rafferty, the grandson of legendary striker Billy Rafferty, made his senior debut last weekend as a substitute in the FA Cup victory over Tamworth.

The youth team player caught the eye with a positive showing in his cameo display.

Asked about his prospects for further senior involvement, Elliot said: “Will's been absolutely superb since the first day of pre-season, he's really well liked in the group and last Saturday was a brilliant cameo.

“He had a good little highlights reel – but that’s him, all-action and all heart.

“He works so hard but he's got a good bit of pace too.

“I'm sure he won't mind me saying that he doesn't look like he's got that physicality and that energy, but he really does.

“If we ever need to, we’ll have no issues with calling him up. We just need to get the balance right in terms of what’s right for him.”

Rafferty had already been on the first-team bench prior to his call-up to face Tamworth.

Elliot feels his progress is further evidence of good work in United’s academy.

The teenager impressed in his cameo against Tamworth (Image: Ben Holmes)

“It’s so well-coached and well-run, and they've produced so many players,” the Blues boss said.

“A lot of those boys are in the first-team squad and have been previously.

“Jonah Lowes, Seb Mason and Hayden Atkinson are all doing really well on respective loans, and they train with us as well, which is good because we get to keep that eye on them.

“There’s a good core of young lads at this place, and you've got the likes of Jack Ellis as well who's come through, and sometimes we forget how young he is.

“We’re in a good place with that, and I think Will definitely highlights that. It's a great occasion for the club to give a debut to one of their own home-grown players.

“It’s not an easy place to have an academy with the catchment and the distance, but they do a brilliant job.

“The history of the players they've produced is something that you can be proud of and hopefully that will continue as we go on.”