GEORGE Thomason says he is ready to play whatever part Ian Evatt sees fit in Wanderers’ promotion run-in.

The 20-year-old midfielder came off the bench to change the game in Bolton’s favour against Harrogate – and is rapidly earning a reputation as a fans’ favourite at the UniBol.

Just five months since he made his league debut in a 6-3 home defeat against Port Vale, Thomason is now being talked about as a future midfield star for the Whites.

Evatt has brought him into the side when an extra man is needed alongside MJ Williams and Kieran Lee – and Thomason has no complaints at all with the role he is being asked to play.

“The whole management team has been unbelievable for me, putting their faith and trust in me, saying how good I could be,” he said.

“When they put that confidence in me it makes me play well.

“When I need to be rotated I don’t let my head get down about it. I know they trust me and I trust the process and the way they want to play. When I get the chance it’s about taking the opportunity and doing the best for the team.

“I am loving it. It is my type of football. Passing, playing through the thirds. It isn’t enjoyable playing long, hoof-ball as I call it, because it is just running up and down the pitch, there is no control.

“Passing like we did in the second half just cuts through teams at this level and it’s really good to be a part of it.

“The more I play, the more confident I get. I am loving it.”

Thomason’s rapid rise from the North West Counties League with Longridge Town to League Two football has happened in a little over 12 months.

And the youngster says Wanderers’ senior players have been instrumental in his improvement as a player.

“They are giving me information all the time, always talking to me and telling me where they need me, little details and they are the ones that make the biggest impact,” he said.

“MJ has a great background, coming from Liverpool, and maybe has the best defensive side of all the midfielders, so it is easy to see how he reads danger, his tackling, knowing when to step, when to stay in position – especially when we have centre-halves who like to step out with the ball.

“Kieran Lee has had an unbelievable career. The energy he provides, the way he presses, his calmness under pressure – if I can take little pieces from both of them it can only make my game more rounded and help me have a better career. They are humble lads who you know you can speak to and ask questions.

“I know my weaker side is probably the defensive side of my game, so watching MJ and Tuttey in training, picking up those little details, they are not the things people see in a game but they are so important.”

Wanderers returned to the automatic promotion spots with a win against Harrogate and their fate is once again in their own hands with six games to go.

Thomason says spirits are high, as is the team’s resolve to get over the line.

“The lads are buzzing – it’s great in training, we’re happy and smiling but when we’re out there on the grass it is business,” he said. “We’re driving each other and setting high standards every day. There’s no let-up now. If we take care of our results we can only go one way, and that’s up.”