KEITH Hill believes he can make Thibaud Verlinden a more complete player if Stoke City grant his wish to stay with Wanderers.

The Bolton boss has now requested that the 20-year-old winger is allowed to extend his loan to the end of the season.

And after watching Verlinden become a huge hit with fans at the UniBol, Hill reckons he can get more out of the skilful wide man, given the opportunity.

“We have spoken to Stoke, we want him to stay,” he told The Bolton News. “But he has to understand his function for the team is as important as scoring goals.

“The unnecessary flamboyancy at times – if it isn’t backed up with hard work, it’s pointless. We end up with the Accrington results.

“He is somebody I love working with, it’s a positive challenge. He is like an elder son for me – I want to guide him, I want to help him play in the Premier League.

Verlinden wowed the crowd with a well-taken chip against Shrewsbury and his running on the ball has brightened up a difficult campaign for the Whites.

Hill is insistent, however, that the youngster needs to improve the defensive side of his game to realise his true potential.

“I’d pay to watch Eric Cantona, I’d pay to watch Youri Djorkaeff, but Thiabud at this moment in time I’d want a complimentary!” he laughed.

“He will be a hell of a player, in time, but we don’t want too many mistakes on our watch.

“I want Bolton Wanderers to be successful as well as Thibaud, so that’s my point.

“I keep challenging him every day and sometimes it gets the better of him, sometimes it gets the better of me, but we’re good friends.”

Wanderers host Burton this afternoon knowing Jason Lowe will miss the next three games through suspension and that Liam Bridcutt is likely to miss at least a fortnight after damaging his hamstring during the draw against Shrewsbury Town on Sunday.