The Bournemouth loanee was dismissed in Town’s defeat to Carlisle United last week and will serve the first game of his three-match suspension when the Glovers head to Portsmouth on Saturday (3pm).

Whitfield has featured 31 times for Yeovil in Sky Bet League Two and his suspension presents an opening for someone to showcase their talents.

“It’s another opportunity for another player to stand the test,” Way told YTFC’s official YouTube channel.

“There’s nothing like throwing them in the deep end if it is a player who perhaps hasn’t been involved all season.

“It gives them an opportunity to impress me and show they’re equipped to do the job.”

Prior to his red card, Whitfield hadn’t received a card of any colour in his professional career.

Way believes the 21-year-old was learn from it having seen other players go through the same scenario.

He said: “These things happen and I don’t think he’s ever had a card before so to get a straight red is a bit unfortunate – he’ll learn from that.

“I remember having this conversation with Bevis Mugabi away at Doncaster and I think he grew in character.

“I also had it with Liam Walsh at Cambridge away and I knew he’d grow and become the person he is today. 

“You have to go through those experiences and I’ve got to make sure he trains extremely hard going into when he’s next available for selection.”