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David Lee is backing teenage striker Jamie Thomas to continue his progression at Wanderers next season.
The 18-year-old is one of five members of Lee's under-18s squad to have been offered an extension to their apprenticeships and will join Tyler Garrett, Chris Cvetko, Will Abbots and Nat Phillips in moving up to the development squad in 2015-16.
And after 15 goals at youth level this season and a goal for the under-21s last week against Blackburn, Lee believes he has the attributes to do well at the higher level.
The Blackpool-born front man ended the season as top scorer for the U18s despite a spell on the sidelines with injury.
But having figured for Iain Brunskill's development squad several times this season, he is already accustomed to the next level.
And the coach says he can use the likes of Zach Clough, Tom Walker and Josh Vela as examples of what can be achieved at Wanderers if you impress at junior and reserve level.
Lee told The Bolton News: "Jamie finished as our leading scorer and has already played for the U21s.
"Next season he will be with them permanently and it is up to him to go and prove himself again at the higher level.
"If he stays hungry, which I'm sure he will, he can look at the likes of Zach, Tom and Josh and see that the chance will come if you do well.
"You can get to the next level if you stay focused.
"The key is not looking too far ahead and concentrating on doing well for the U21s first.
"It is a big test for Jamie next season – he is starting all over again at a new level.
"But I am sure he will do well because he has shown he not only has the ability but also the right character."
Thomas has been one of the positives for Lee this season.
And while results have not always gone their way, the development continues at the academy producing the next crop.
Only two players are leaving the squad – Kieran Nolan and Carl Kennedy – and Lee has already introduced several of the under-16s team to the youth set-up this season.
The aim will be progression again in the next campaign and Lee also hopes for a better run in the FA Youth Cup following last season's disappointing fourth round exit at Crewe.
He added: "The Youth Cup is a benchmark every year and we were disappointed last season.
"After doing so well to win at Portsmouth, the players let themselves down at Crewe but it was a one-off game and a blip really.
"They were all disappointed but showed character with the right response in the next game by beating Liverpool.
"A lot of the team will be involved again next season along with the under-16s who have already been introduced.
"There is a natural progression with those coming in and the older lads moving up to the U21s.
"It's nice to win matches but, as always, player development takes precedent."
Source
The 18-year-old is one of five members of Lee's under-18s squad to have been offered an extension to their apprenticeships and will join Tyler Garrett, Chris Cvetko, Will Abbots and Nat Phillips in moving up to the development squad in 2015-16.
And after 15 goals at youth level this season and a goal for the under-21s last week against Blackburn, Lee believes he has the attributes to do well at the higher level.
The Blackpool-born front man ended the season as top scorer for the U18s despite a spell on the sidelines with injury.
But having figured for Iain Brunskill's development squad several times this season, he is already accustomed to the next level.
And the coach says he can use the likes of Zach Clough, Tom Walker and Josh Vela as examples of what can be achieved at Wanderers if you impress at junior and reserve level.
Lee told The Bolton News: "Jamie finished as our leading scorer and has already played for the U21s.
"Next season he will be with them permanently and it is up to him to go and prove himself again at the higher level.
"If he stays hungry, which I'm sure he will, he can look at the likes of Zach, Tom and Josh and see that the chance will come if you do well.
"You can get to the next level if you stay focused.
"The key is not looking too far ahead and concentrating on doing well for the U21s first.
"It is a big test for Jamie next season – he is starting all over again at a new level.
"But I am sure he will do well because he has shown he not only has the ability but also the right character."
Thomas has been one of the positives for Lee this season.
And while results have not always gone their way, the development continues at the academy producing the next crop.
Only two players are leaving the squad – Kieran Nolan and Carl Kennedy – and Lee has already introduced several of the under-16s team to the youth set-up this season.
The aim will be progression again in the next campaign and Lee also hopes for a better run in the FA Youth Cup following last season's disappointing fourth round exit at Crewe.
He added: "The Youth Cup is a benchmark every year and we were disappointed last season.
"After doing so well to win at Portsmouth, the players let themselves down at Crewe but it was a one-off game and a blip really.
"They were all disappointed but showed character with the right response in the next game by beating Liverpool.
"A lot of the team will be involved again next season along with the under-16s who have already been introduced.
"There is a natural progression with those coming in and the older lads moving up to the U21s.
"It's nice to win matches but, as always, player development takes precedent."
Source