James Wilson

Here’s a man I feel sorry for. James Wilson is a centre back, but gets onto this list by virtue of starting at right back in the three games Neal Eardley did not. He’s been played sporadically and when he has featured, he’s been out of position.

Against Port Vale he even came on in midfield, scoring a header, but he’s not been able to force his way into the first team picture.

I don’t know what it is with James Wilson. He’s not a right back, that much is for certain. He can play there, but looks uncomfortable and steady. I’d compare him with a lower League Two right back, yet he’s a player with international experience in another position.

He’s just not able to get a go at centre half. Michael Bostwick has been ahead of him, Jason Shackell too. Scott Wharton perhaps was by virtue of being left footed and when Cian Bolger arrived, he went into the first team ahead of Wilson as well. It’s been frustrating for the player and to a degree for us as fans.

We know there’s a quality footballer in there, one with League One potential, but he’s not going to play. It’s doubtful he’ll force a start next season if he remains, which means his short Imps’ career is likely to end with more starts as a makeshift right back than in his preferred central defensive role.

He’s only started nine games for the Imps in a season and a half, with half of those as a right back. He’ll be frustrated with his time here and will probably look back on it unfavourably, which is a shame considering he’ll take home a title-winner’s medal, should we seal that honour in the next four matches.