Tom Watkins has challenged Macaulay Heywood to capitalise on his talent after the forward agreed terms on a full-time return to Telford Tigers.

The 19-year-old collected 13 points in 36 EPL games last season to earn a spot in the Great Britain U20 squad for December’s World Championship tournament and Watkins has urged Heywood to continue his development next term.

He said: “It wasn’t a difficult decision to bring Macaulay back. He’s a local lad who improved a lot last season and I expect him to continue improving every day.

“His goal has got to be eventually to take someone else’s role and job to move up the playing order. He’s got undoubted natural talent and has a lot of ability on the puck.

“Macaulay has to bring consistent performance every night, improve his play away from the puck and become a more complete player.

“He’s very confident in his own ability, which is a big key to what he does well.

“He’s got very good size and is an excellent athlete. I’ve worked with him for a lot of years, through the junior system, so I’m pleased he’s starting the year with us on a full-time contract.

“Playing with Great Britain was a big step for Macaulay, having never played as part of the junior national teams.

“He did very well and when given the opportunity he buried his chances. He’s got good size, scores very highly in all fitness tests and is naturally very athletic, so he has a lot of potential.

“It’s ultimately up to Macaulay how much he wants to succeed.”

(Image permission: IceHockeyMedia)