Matt Craddock has heaped praise on Luke Hutchinson and pinpointed one area the young goalkeeper can improve.

Hutchinson is set to be involved with the B Team over the coming season after signing a new deal at the UniBol earlier this summer.

The 19-year-old impressed in the 1-0 defeat against Bamber Bridge, making a couple of fine stops to deny Macauley Wilson and Nathan Pond either side of half-time.

“Luke is a fantastic person and a fantastic player,” he said. “You saw what he gives you (against Bamber Bridge) – two absolutely unbelievable saves and he is fantastic with the ball at his feet.

“What we are trying to develop with him is a bit more leadership qualities, which he has shown a lot more and that is really pleasing.

“We have some really good keepers ahead of him at the moment so Luke has to be patient and keep working hard, and that is what he does.

“He has no ego. He comes into work every day and wants to get better, and that is fantastic for him and a real testament to him.”

Amadou Bakayoko played 60 minutes at the Sir Tom Finney Stadium, while Ian Evatt was also in attendance to watch the action.

And Andrew Tutte featured in midfield as part of his new role as player-coach to help the young talent improve.

Craddock added: “The manager was here and he comes in and speaks to the players.

“The one thing I am 100 per cent confident in is that this is an environment that is going to create and develop players, and that is our job.

“Being able to work alongside experienced players and staff, we are just creating an environment where we are going to develop players and I have never been more confident of that really. It is really positive for us.”

Social, newsletters, subscriptions and getting in touch...

You can follow the Bolton News on social media by joining us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram

We also have dedicated Facebook groups on Crime & Court, Traffic & Travel, Nostalgia and our Camera Club page

If you want to make sure you don't miss the most important news stories every day, sign up to one of our free e-mail newsletters 

Gain unlimited access to the Bolton News website with a premium digital subscription

Or if you want the Bolton News newspaper delivered to your door, get in touch with our home delivery team or call us on 0800 953 0227

Finally, have you got a story for us? If so, contact us at newsdesk@theboltonnews.co.uk or by using our online contribution form