WANDERERS talent Finlay Lockett will undergo surgery on his cruciate ligament today, his representatives have confirmed.

The young striker, tipped to make an impact on the first team scene at Bolton, picked up the injury during a 3-1 win against Oldham Athletic in May.

Lockett scored 19 goals and provided 18 assists for the Under-18s this season and had made two appearances for Ian Evatt’s first team, against Colchester United in the league and Shrewsbury Town in the EFL Trophy.

The Marple-born striker became the second-youngest player in Wanderers’ history to play for the club in August 2019, when he came off the bench in a 0-0 draw against Coventry City.

Aged 16 years and 122 days, he is one of only six players to have represented Bolton before their 17th birthday, the last of which was Don McAllister in 1970.

This morning his representatives, Zodiak Sports Group, tweeted a picture of the player with the message: “Good luck, Finlay Lockett undergoes ACL surgery today.”

The injury has interrupted a rapid rise for Lockett since he turned out for the Junior Whites and is likely to keep him out until the start of next year.

Before the club confirmed their retained list, Lockett also let it be known on social media that he had agreed terms on a professional contract – although an official announcement has yet to be made by the club.

Speaking about Lockett’s promise at the end of last season, Ian Evatt said he was looking forward to seeing whether the 18-year-old could make a claim for senior football.

“He is still progressing. Mark Litherland and Dave Gardiner are doing a fantastic job with him,” he said.

“His talent is without question, he is a very talented kid. He just needs to get used to the other side of the game, the physical demands, especially first team level.

“In the youth team you can get away with not doing the out-of-possession stuff as much but when he comes up with us to senior level it is a completely different ball game. You have to give it equal importance to the in-possession work.

“He is picking that up all the time, getting used to those messages, getting himself fit enough to do that role.

“He is a talented young man and we’re lucky to have him.”