Stevenage boss discusses his attacking midfielders ahead of trip to AFC Wimbledon

Teddy Sheringham has praised the form of Chris Whelpdale after the winger was nominated for the Football League Player of the Month award.

The former Gillingham man scored four times in November – including a hat-trick against Morecambe – only to lose out on the prize to Jay Simpson of Leyton Orient.

The 28-year-old has scored more goals already this season (nine) than he did last year (seven), and while Sheringham admits that his forwards are struggling to find the net he’s satisfied as long as goals are coming from somewhere in the team.

“He had an outstanding month, and long may it continue,” Sheringham said.

“I know he’s a goalscorer anyway, but he’s got great desire. Not just the goals that he’s scored, but he’s having other chances. You have to have them to miss them, and you have to put yourself in those opportunities and he’s got that desire to get on the end of things.”

Sheringham added: “We’re struggling to find someone that is going to score goals for us up front on a regular basis. We’re still looking for that someone within the club, but if you don’t score like that then as long as the team is scoring goals we’re happy.

“It does put pressure on you if your strikers aren’t scoring, but it’s the same the other way. If the strikers were scoring and nobody else was, I’d be saying the other thing.”

Tom Pett is another attacking midfielder who has an eye for goal.

The 24-year-old scored 18 times in his last season for Wealdstone in the Ryman Premier before moving to the club in 2014.

He got one more (eight) than Whelpdale did last season, finishing just behind Charlie Lee (nine) who was the club’s top scorer, but so far this season has only come up with a single strike, far fewer than his overall play has deserved.

He has played most recently in a central position for Boro, and Sheringham believes his ability to play off either foot is a major attribute to have.

“He’s not a one-footed player, and when you have players who can go either way, it’s nice to put them in central areas,” Sheringham said.

“It keeps players guessing. If you keep going the same way every time defenders cotton on to it.

“I think he’s been outstanding. When you mention midfield, and attacking midfield players who score goals, he definitely comes into that category.

“He’s not really an out-and-out striker, but he’s an attacking midfield player and if he can add a few goals to his fantastic play I’m sure he’d be delighted.”