WANDERERS forward Max Clayton is relishing a link-up with fellow youngster Zach Clough next season and hopes the pair can spark a promotion challenge.

Clayton is yet to play with the academy graduate, who burst onto the scene in 2015, after a cruciate knee ligament injury ended his season prematurely before Christmas – just nine games into his Whites career after arriving from Crewe last summer.

But watching on from the stands at the Macron Stadium in the second half of the campaign, the 20-year-old was impressed with Clough's impact at the same age.

And he hopes once the pair are both back from injury – with pre-season training the target – they can forge a 20-20 partnership that will hit Championship teams for six.

Clayton told the club: "Zach has done fabulously well and is a really good lad.

"It has been frustrating having to watch him and not be out there playing with him.

"It’s a bit of a shame we never got to play together last season.

"Hopefully next season we will have a fair few games together and cause some damage for other teams."

Clayton's spell on the sidelines has been frustrating for the frontman who joined on a three-year deal in the last summer transfer window before suffering his injury in the goalless home draw with Ipswich in mid-December.

But there is light at the end of the tunnel five months on with the youngster positive about a return ahead of the new season.

And he has praised the medical staff at the Macron who have aided his recovery.

Clayton said: "I am feeling good and in a positive frame of mind.

"I am working hard every day and feeling more like myself again.

"The rehab is going really well. I am outside now running every day and the ball is finally out.

"Things are going to plan.

"Whenever you get any injury you have to be careful but this one is a delicate one.

"I am in safe hands at Bolton with all the physios and the likes of Mark Leather have been absolutely fantastic with me.

"It is just one of those injuries that you have to take your time with and make sure it is right before you even think about coming back.

"When I come back I want to make the biggest impact I can so I want to be 100 per cent and ready to fire."