'He's listened' - Dapo Afolayan's Bolton Wanderers progress & striker plea ahead of Leeds United

Ian Evatt believes Dapo Afolayan deserved his recall to the Bolton Wanderers starting team over the weekend following his showing in training and that he is learning the number 10 role well after listening to what he needs to do in the position.

Afolayan was handed his first start in League One over the weekend for Wanderers since mid-August. He has since had to make do with appearances off the bench in the division.

Last season's top scorer for Wanderers with 14 goals in all competitions was recalled against Barnsley on Saturday. He was one of the brighter sparks in the goalless draw at the University of Bolton Stadium.

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Afolayan lined up in the number 10 position, which is a role he is still learning how to play for Wanderers and the demands of it, especially out of possession. Evatt was pleased with what he saw from the attacker against the Tykes following his conduct in recent weeks.

He said: “I thought he did really well. I thought he was proactive with what he was doing. He’s listened and learned his role against the ball and how intense he needs to be and how he needs to press and work against the ball.

“I thought he found some good pockets. We didn’t get the ball to him enough probably second half, but I thought he looked like he was trying to make things happen. He looked like he was enjoying his football.

“The last three weeks, he’s really knuckled down, kept his head down, been an excellent professional, been a wonderful team mate and how he’s trained he’s deserved another opportunity and chance and he’s not done himself any harm today.”

Wanderers are back in action tomorrow in the Papa Johns