DAGENHAM & REDBRIDGE boss John Still has challenged winger Graeme Montgomery to salvage his career at the club by putting in the effort to match his raw talent.

The 22-year-old was as unsung hero in last season’s play-off push, scoring late winners against Burton Albion and Hereford, but has yet to feature in League One this term.

Montgomery came off the bench in the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy loss at Charlton Athletic and was recently sent on loan to Hayes & Yeading in the Blue Square Premier.

“Graeme hasn’t done well enough,” said Still, of the winger’s continued absence from the first team squad.

“I think he’s immensely talented, I’ve said it before, but when the opportunity has come in a reserve game for Graeme to step up to the plate and show what he’s got, other players have done better.

“If people want me to put players in who I don’t think are producing enough, then I’m not going to do that.”

Montgomery has started both games for the Conference club since making the switch and should get regular games for them over the busy festive period.

The former Wealdstone man is out of contract at Victoria Road at the end of the season and Still is waiting to be convinced to offer him a new deal.

“I hope Graeme goes away, plays sine games, does well and comes back ready to push for a place in the team,” he said.

“It would be fantastic if he could do that. But at the moment, unfortunately, Graeme is not providing that.”