ABERDEEN new-boy James Wilson is more talented than Leicester and England striker Jamie Vardy and can kick-start his career in Scotland, according to former Manchester United youth boss Clayton Blackmore.

The ex-United player coached the front-man as a 15-year-old and is adamant Wilson is the best player he has ever worked with at that age.

Blackmore was beaming when Wilson made his senior debut for the English giants in May 2014, notching a double against Hull to cement his reputation as one of the hottest prospects at Old Trafford.

However, serious injury and a string of unsuccessful loan moves have hampered his development and, ahead of a likely departure from United when his contract expires next summer, he has joined Aberdeen on loan. But Blackmore still has faith in Wilson's raw potential.

“Some players get their breaks at different ages. Look at Jamie Vardy, who took longer than most," he said. "Willo [Wilson] is better than Vardy for me.

"Maybe he’s not quite as quick, but he runs better with the ball and he’s two footed. He makes good runs and, because he’s got deadly pace, he can get away from defenders. He’s scored with his head, too.

“James Wilson was the best 15-year-old I've ever seen and steadily improved as he went through the age groups right up to making his first team debut, when he scored two goals under Ryan Giggs.”

However, his progress was abruptly halted by a serious knee injury in October 2016, while some have questioned his work ethic following underwhelming loan spells with Brighton, Derby and Sheffield United.

But Blackmore believes that Wilson has plenty to off the Dons – if properly used by manager Derek McInnes.

“James had a bad injury but he’s still a top player," continued Blackmore. "He just needs to be played in the right position. People think he’s a target man but he’s not, he’s a player who plays off the front.

"Get him on the ball and get him running at teams. He’s fantastic running with the ball and could finish from 30 yards with both feet. There are very few players who can do that."

Nor was Wilson helped by the style employed by former United boss Louis van Gaal, with Blackmore insisting Wilson was misused by the Dutchman.

“The way United played under Louis van Gaal saw the team getting fewer balls into the strikers," Blackmore told Unibet. "James was played as an out and out striker on his own and it’s hard to play against two centre halves all the time.

"It doesn't allow you to get on the ball much, which is what James needs to do. The style didn’t help anybody and even Wayne Rooney struggled. James needed a bit of luck – every player does – and he didn’t get it."