JOHN Coleman has put a £1million pricetag on star man Josh Windass, and has backed the attacking midfielder to experience more big nights in football.

The 21-year-old rose to the occasion in Accrington Stanley’s dramatic Capital One Cup encounter with his dad Dean’s old club, Hull City.

Although not on the scoresheet on the night, Windass posed problems for the Tigers’ defence and was instrumental in taking the game into extra time and then penalties, scoring in a shoot-out.

The Reds ultimately lost 4-3 in sudden death.

But Coleman says there will be more chances for the former Huddersfield midfielder to shine, after seeing a significant growth in his game since last season.

“He’s developed in the last six months, but I’m not taking the responsibility for that development,” said the Stanley boss.

“He was a good player last season but he had so many flaws in his game. He’s worked hard on them himself so he’s the one who has got take the credit.

“We’ve tried to point him in the right direction, but he has to take the credit for that. He’s worked hard and he’s only going to get better.

“The work he’s done in the summer has made him even stronger and you can just see the confidence in him now. It’s coming to the fore.

“He is a confidence player. He believes that every time he gets the ball he’s going to do something.

“The players have started believing in him as well.

“We’re not a one-man team. But Josh is now a top player and he’ll have bigger nights than Tuesday in his career. He’s going to have massive nights.”

Windass has attracted attention since reviving his career with Stanley. After scoring his first professional goal in late February, to secure a 1-0 win over Burton Albion, he ended the season with six.

He scored the first goal in Saturday’s opening day draw at home to Luton Town, and will be looking to add to his early tally in tomorrow’s derby with Morecambe, after admitting he would sacrifice a cup scalp for three League Two points this weekend.

Windass’ performances and goals have attracted attention, with Barnet manager Martin Allen last weekend revealing he is a player he has monitored.

Coleman is realistic, saying: “This has got to be a stepping stone for him on the way.”

But the Reds boss warned: “Anyone who thinks they’re going to get them on the cheap, they’re not.

“He’s a top player. I think he’s the best in the league so if he does go, which I hope he doesn’t, but if he does he’s got to go accordingly to what other players have been going for at the top level of this league.

“If we do lose him it will stabilise the club for two years, so there are pluses and minuses because he’s not going to go for less than £1million.”