NATHAN Byrne is certainly on a hot streak at the moment going forward – but his manager Mark Cooper still had to remind him that part of his job is also defensive.

The wing-back added his third goal and another assist to his tally in an excellent attacking display against Chesterfield in midweek.

Ahead of today’s trip to Milton Keynes Dons, Cooper was careful, in his praise of Byrne, to note that despite excelling in parts of his game, there are things he still has to work on as a defender.

Chesterfield’s Daniel Jones and Dan Gardner enjoyed the space left by Byrne in a first-half spell of dominance on Tuesday.

To his credit, the former Tottenham man did recognise the problem, offering Jack Stephens increased protection as Town went on to keep a clean sheet.

Cooper revealed he has had discussions with the 22-year-old about tracking back.

“I’ve mentioned to Nathan if he wants to be the complete player and he wants to go and play at the top (level), there are two sides to the game, attacking and defending,” Cooper told the Advertiser.

“He knows that. As soon as I mentioned it he said ‘yeah you’re 100 per cent right’ and he put it into practice the other night and showed that he can do it.

“(Byrne’s been) offensively outstanding. He can add the other part to his game, like he did the other night – which means if the full-back that’s marking him decides to run forward, he has to run back with him as quick as he runs forward.

“If he can add that, then we have got the complete player.”

Byrne’s manager is in no doubt he has a top player on his hands and bigger clubs will be taking note.

“I think they’re looking,” added Cooper. “When you come to see us play you say ‘who’s the little guy on the wing who keeps ripping past the full-back?’ “Like I’ve said a few times, he’s probably been our most effective player this year, over the course of the season.

“If he adds the other side to his game he’ll be a complete player.”

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