'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.

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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