NEIL Lennon feels Derik Osede will have to learn on the job in the Championship this season.

The Wanderers boss has been pleased with the form of his summer signing, snapped up on a free from Real Madrid’s ranks after more than a decade in the Bernabeu system.

Still just 22, Derik – as he prefers to be known – seems to have all the tools required to be a success at Bolton.

But Lennon feels the youngster will need some time to adapt to the ways of the English game, having seen some glimpses of his rawness in the pre-season schedule.

“I think Derik will have to learn certain things as he goes along,” said the Wanderers boss. “He needs to know how to handle more physical players, because he’ll come up against them a lot in the Championship.

“There was a moment in the Port Vale game when he committed a foul that would have been a sending off in any normal game. He got a bit lucky there.

“There’s the odd rough edge to take off but in the main I’m very happy with how he’s settled in. He’s a very good footballer.”

Derik trained with Real’s first team but played the majority of his football for Zinedine Zidane’s Castilla.

Lennon pursued his signature vigorously on his release this summer, twice flying over to Spain to speak with the player, his family and representatives.

Derik also sought the opinion of former Wanderers full-back Marcos Alonso, who swapped Madrid for Bolton five years ago before moving on to Fiorentina.

Lennon feels the young defender has all the components to be a hit at his new club.

“You’ve seen his positional sense, it has been outstanding,” he said. “He’s good in the air, comfortable on the ball and he’s strong even though he’s still learning but I’ve been very pleased with him so far, I think he can do well for us.”

With his distinctive hair and languid style, Derik conjures up images of another man to have swapped Madrid for Bolton, the one and only Ivan Campo.

The great man was one of the first to congratulate Derik on signing for Bolton – but is yet to suggest re-branding one of his famous old wigs to sell in the club shop.