Wanderers Under-18s coach David Lee is backing teenage goalkeeper Harry Campbell to make the step up to the development squad after making his debut in the 7-2 Lancashire Senior Cup win at Blackpool last week.
Following the injury blow to first-team stopper Adam Bogdan, that could see him sidelined for up to six weeks, Andy Lonergan has been promoted to a senior starter and was between the sticks against Ipswich on Saturday.
Cover has been drafted in with former Ipswich and Millwall stopper Arran Lee-Barrett handed a short-term deal to provide back-up to Lonergan during Bogdan’s absence.
But with third choice stopper Jay Lynch also out at present, it could mean more reserve game time for Blackburn-born Campbell.
Having worked with the 17-year-old closely at youth level, with last year’s Under-18s stopper Jan Ole-Sievers departing in the summer, Lee is confident the youngster is more than capable of deputising.
He admits it will be a test for the teenager but says it will be good for the second-year apprentice to be facing more senior opposition.
Lee told The Bolton News: “Harry has done well for us since he has been involved in the Under-18s.
“The injury to Adam Bogdan means he may get more games at Under-21 level now with Jay Lynch needed as back up for the first-team.
“He made his debut at Blackpool and by all acounts did not look out of place.
“You always see the potential in young players and Harry certainly has that, but we will only know if he can make the step up by him getting games.
“It is a difficult position as goalkeeper – you can be the hero or the villain.
“You just have to persevere and keep faith in them.
“Hopefully, Harry can get a few more because I certainly think he has the capability to progress having worked with him.”
The next outing for Jamie Fullarton’s second string is a home league clash with Fulham on Monday, kick off 7pm.
Meanwhile, Lee’s U18s go in search of a first win of the season in their 10th outing at Leicester City on Saturday, kick off 11am.
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Following the injury blow to first-team stopper Adam Bogdan, that could see him sidelined for up to six weeks, Andy Lonergan has been promoted to a senior starter and was between the sticks against Ipswich on Saturday.
Cover has been drafted in with former Ipswich and Millwall stopper Arran Lee-Barrett handed a short-term deal to provide back-up to Lonergan during Bogdan’s absence.
But with third choice stopper Jay Lynch also out at present, it could mean more reserve game time for Blackburn-born Campbell.
Having worked with the 17-year-old closely at youth level, with last year’s Under-18s stopper Jan Ole-Sievers departing in the summer, Lee is confident the youngster is more than capable of deputising.
He admits it will be a test for the teenager but says it will be good for the second-year apprentice to be facing more senior opposition.
Lee told The Bolton News: “Harry has done well for us since he has been involved in the Under-18s.
“The injury to Adam Bogdan means he may get more games at Under-21 level now with Jay Lynch needed as back up for the first-team.
“He made his debut at Blackpool and by all acounts did not look out of place.
“You always see the potential in young players and Harry certainly has that, but we will only know if he can make the step up by him getting games.
“It is a difficult position as goalkeeper – you can be the hero or the villain.
“You just have to persevere and keep faith in them.
“Hopefully, Harry can get a few more because I certainly think he has the capability to progress having worked with him.”
The next outing for Jamie Fullarton’s second string is a home league clash with Fulham on Monday, kick off 7pm.
Meanwhile, Lee’s U18s go in search of a first win of the season in their 10th outing at Leicester City on Saturday, kick off 11am.
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