LEE Potter is a self-confessed Nathan Blake fan.

For years he's studied the powerful Welsh striker - initially at long distance, recently at close range - hoping to pick up priceless tips that might improve his own game.

He isn't just an admirer, though. In the two years they have been together on Wanderers' books the young pro has grown to regard the Premiership star as more of a friend than a colleague.

But that won't stop him challenging for his No 9 shirt if he ever gets the chance.

"Blakey's been a great help to me and I really look up to him," Potter says. "I've always admired him, even when he used to play for Cardiff. When he came to Bolton it was great because I could watch him all the time. He's an incredible player and a real friend.

"He's always talking to me and giving me advice. But, as close as we are now, I'd love to get the chance to put some pressure on him. It doesn't matter who he is.

"All I need is that chance because I'm determined to take it."

The 19-year-old reserve teamer was spotted playing for Farnworth Boys and progressed through the ranks of the Wanderers School of Excellence, then the Youth training Scheme before signing professional.

He's had a taste of the good life, signing a boot sponsorship deal with Puma and has travelled with Colin Todd's Premiership squad in recent weeks. Such occasions offer youngsters an opportunity to sample life at first team level and young Potter - Bolton born and a Wanderer through and through - has certainly had his appetite whetted

"I'm told I've been close to getting on the bench," says the former George Tomlinson School pupil. "But they probably don't think I'm ready yet.

"All I know is that I'm determined to make the most of the chance when it comes along. I've always dreamed of playing for the Wanderers. I had chances to go to a few clubs and even had a couple of weeks at Manchester United but it was always going to be Bolton - nobody else.

"It was hard to adjust at first when I signed pro. I'd gone from walking up to Burnden from Farnworth with my mates to watch all these players and suddenly I was working with them.

"It's strange stepping off the coach with the first team. I recognise a lot of the fans because I know them. I just hope that one day they can see me playing for Bolton.

"I'd really love the boss to just throw me in at the deep end. That's the way I'd like it...just to turn up as normal and find I was playing, without having to think about it for too long."

Potter knows he still has much to learn; that's why he continues to stay on for afternoon training sessions with reserve team boss Steve Carroll.

"Without the help of Steve and youth team boss Dean Crombie I probably wouldn't have been taken on as a pro after I'd done my YT," he acknowledges. "I just see the extra sessions as part of my day's training now.

"I'm prepared to do everything I can to go on to the next stage and play in the first team. I want to make a success of my career so that I can give something back to the people who have helped me at the club and to my parents for what they've one for me."

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.