STRIKE starlet Zach Clough could be the mystery man that makes a difference in Wanderers’ final play-off push.

The Denton-born youngster, tipped to be the next big thing to come out of the Academy ranks after his sensational goal record for the Under-18s, will travel to Cardiff today with the rest of the squad.

Kevin Davies is out of the equation, and Dougie Freedman says he is more than happy to place his trust in Clough and fellow front man Tom Eaves, even in such a pressure-cooker atmosphere.

“I love working with young players and it really makes my day to get them on the pitch,” he said.

“I thought Tom Eaves was wonderful when he got his opportunity last week – holding the ball up, chasing the ball down. It was a real good performance from a 21-year-old who was nearly forgotten at the club.

“Sometimes it’s a crime in football just working with what you have got. I like working with someone like Zach – someone who you don’t quite know what they’ve got, but it’s something I like.”

Freedman is not concerned about building Clough up before his senior bow, and is looking forward to Wanderers fans getting their first glimpse of him in a first-team shirt.

“He’s someone we identified right away when I came through the door,” he said.

“He’s been travelling with the team and in squads and you’re going to see someone you really like when he gets on the pitch.

“I’m excited for you guys to see him because then you can start writing about it.

“He’s a great young guy who could just possibly help us through this last couple of games.”