ZACH Clough believes he can be the perfect 10 for Wanderers this season.

The young striker admits the pressure is on after he exploded on to the Championship scene as an unknown quantity last term with six goals in just eight starts.

A shoulder injury sustained in March cut short an incredible introduction to first-team football but the 20-year-old – dubbed ‘Mini Messi’ within the Whites camp – is looking forward to being a major player for Neil Lennon.

“I’ve grown up fast,” Clough told The Bolton News. “This time last year you’d have had to come to Chorley, or somewhere like that, to see me play for the development squad. It’s still kind of weird but I’m getting used to it.

“All I want to do is help Bolton finish as high up the table as I can. Play-offs, I don’t know, automatic? It doesn’t matter.

“Personally I want to get into double figures. It’s great to be back after getting injured but I don’t enjoy it as much if I don’t score a goal.”

Clough was not ready to play in last night's 2-1 friendly defeat at Morecambe, with Neil Lennon later revealing he could miss another week with a thigh strain.  

But he is already in double figures in one sense, having been given the number 10 shirt.

He may well be a marked man this time around but the Denton-born striker feels confident he can be a driving force for success despite his tender years.

“It’s a lot of pressure isn’t it? Especially with the number 10 shirt as well,” he smiled.

“It’s my lucky number. The gaffer came up to me on the first day of pre-season and asked me would I like the number 10 – I can’t turn that down.

“You’ve got to grow up fast. I’m playing alongside men now and it’s a different game. You need to learn how to handle yourself, look after yourself. But I know what I’m doing.”

Clough has been encouraged by his new strike partner Gary Madine – and is looking forward to working with the former Sheffield Wednesday forward.

“It’s my job to work off him and get in behind," he said. "The gaffer says ‘always gamble’ and I can because he wins every header.”

With the added attention caused by his sensational debut season comes speculation – and Clough is not oblivious to reports claiming he is already being watched by Premier League sides, including Manchester United.

Wanderers have been relaxed, knowing the youngster is on a good contract and keen to play a part under Lennon.

Clough also reassured fans that playing for Bolton is all he is currently focusing on too.

“I don’t read the papers but my friends have been keeping me up to date with what’s in them, texting me,” he said. “Honestly, I just can’t wait to play for Bolton this season. It doesn’t bother me.

“Maybe it’s something I’ll have to get used to?”