Mick did; Mick actually played him. For all his many failings, Mick was the last manager we had that gave the kids a go.
Just because 6 or 7 poor (and very defensive) managers can’t use him, it doesn’t mean he isn’t a talent. Every manager we’ve had is primarily concerned with not conceded goals, that’s their major concern. It was true with Morison (he said so repeatedly), Sabri, Bulut etc