Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
Sport
John McDougall

'Patient' - Bolton Wanderers goalkeeper sent message amid competition for first team spot

Matt Craddock believes young Bolton Wanderers goalkeeper must be patient in his quest to reach the first team with the likes of James Trafford and Joel Dixon ahead of him but is in no doubt of the ability the youngster has.

The 19-year-old is part of Wanderers' new B team having come through the youth team ranks at the University of Bolton Stadium. The teenager spent part of last season out on loan at non-league side Atherton Collieries to get minutes under his belt.

He signed fresh terms with Wanderers this summer and has featured in the B team's pre-season fixtures so far. He has played against both old side Colls and Bamber Bridge.

READ MORE: 'One of best in Ireland' - Expert view on what Eoin Toal will bring to Bolton Wanderers

Against Brig on Tuesday evening, Wanderers suffered a narrow 1-0 loss at the Sir Tom Finney Stadium. But Hutchinson caught the eye with fantastic stops either side of half-time.

Like the rest of the B team members, Hutchinson will have aims of making the step up to the first team squad under Ian Evatt. There is big competition in that area with Manchester City loanee Trafford and Joel Dixon vying for a starting place.

B team boss Craddock believes Hutchinson showed against Brig exactly what he can do, as he also pinpointed what the youngster needs to improve upon. Though there is stiff competition ahead of him, Craddock believes the teenager must continue his hardworking mentality in a bid to reach the first team, who he is confident players will be produced for.

He said: "Luke is a fantastic person and a fantastic player. You saw what he gives you today – two absolutely unbelievable saves and he is fantastic with the ball at his feet. What we are trying to develop with him is a bit more leadership qualities, which he has shown a lot more tonight and that is really pleasing.

"We have some really good keepers ahead of him at the moment so Luke has to be patient and keep working hard, and that is what he does. He has no ego. He comes into work every day and wants to get better, and that is fantastic for him and a real testament to him.

"The one thing I am 100 per cent confident in is that this is an environment that is going to create and develop players, and that is our job. Being able to work alongside experienced players and staff, we are just creating an environment where we are going to develop players and I have never been more confident of that really. It is really positive for us."

Don't miss a thing from the club you love! For all the latest updates on Wanderers , sign up to our free newsletter packed with all the latest news here.

READ NEXT:

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.