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James Trafford could be in line for a return to Wanderers next season – if he continues to set high standards.
The teenage keeper has 12 months remaining on his contract with Manchester City but does not see himself returning to development squad football after sampling life in League One with Bolton and Accrington Stanley.
Trafford became the first keeper ever to keep four consecutive clean sheets at Wanderers in their first four matches for the club and has since made some important contributions as Ian Evatt’s side inch their way closer to the play-off positions.
And though no discussions have been had with either club, he is open to the idea of staying out on loan next season.
“I would never go back and play 23s,” he told The Bolton News. “If I was to go back with City it would be as second choice or to challenge Eddie (Ederson).
“I wouldn’t want to play that level again, especially now I have got the taste for the environment of men’s football.
“But it is still February, so there is no rush.
“Say I did go out on loan again, whether it is back here or elsewhere, clubs aren’t looking at the moment. And if I was to go back there I don’t know if they know what is happening with Eddie (Ederson), Scott (Carson), Zach (Steffen) or even Slicks (Cieran Slicker).”
Trafford cannot wait for Saturday’s crunch clash with third-placed MK Dons, where Wanderers will hope to make up extra ground on the teams above them.
And the pressure of a matchday in League One is what convinces the 19-year-old that he does not want to return to the academy level, even in the lush surroundings of the Etihad.
“I am loving the feeling of playing for points. It is so different to the 23s league because this means so much more,” he said.
“You get beat in the 23s and you move on to the next one, you train with the first team the next day, everything is good.
“But say if we lost the next seven games, there would be people’s jobs on the line. Some of the lads might not be here. It means so much more and I am loving it – but of course it’s better when we are winning.”
Ian Evatt is open to the idea of Trafford staying on for next season and believes he has gained a lot by playing in a successful Bolton team.
“Every signing we make, and even loan players, we have always got one eye on the future,” he said.
“He has enjoyed his time here and I was speaking to him this morning, he thinks his game is coming on. City have loved it because he is playing at a big club in front of a lot of fans and it is giving him valuable experience.
“So the arrangement works for all parties. If we had a deal where we could take him again next season, then why not? It is a two-way street.
“We are really happy with him and hopefully he can have a strong end to the season and we will have another look at him in the summer.”
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