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Conor Wilkinson has been challenged to end his breakthrough year on a high by Wanderers boss Neil Lennon.
The Republic of Ireland Under-21 international celebrated a new deal at the Macron Stadium by making his Championship debut in last weekend’s 0-0 draw at Reading.
Wilkinson, signed for a nominal fee from Millwall in July 2013, has made significant progress this season, scoring his first goal in the Football League during a successful loan spell at Oldham Athletic in October. He also made his first appearances in a Whites’ shirt in the Capital One Cup, featuring against both Bury and Crewe back in August.
With Craig Davies injured, Lennon has not ruled out the 19-year-old making his first league start for the club against Ipswich Town this afternoon.
“I have been impressed with him for the last few weeks,” he told The Bolton News. “Since he signed the contract, he seems to have upped his game.
“I thought he handled himself well against Reading and we looked like dangerous when he came on and started linking play with Max (Clayton) and Chungy. He will come into consideration.”
Wilkinson had spells on loan at Torquay United and Chester in his first season at Bolton but after some strong showings over the summer, he went on to have a big impact at Boundary Park in a two-month stint at Oldham.
Latics boss Lee Johnson has told Wanderers he would like to bring the powerful striker back in the New Year if possible. But for now, Lennon wants to take a close look at the youngster, who was once linked with a move to Portugese giants Benfica in his very early days at the Den.
“He is something different,” Lennon said. “He has got a lovely first touch; he is predominantly a leftie.
“We think he is talented. He's 19 now and in two years time he could be anything in terms of developing his game and his physique.
“We feel he has got great potential so it is down to him now to keep working on his game.”
Source
The Republic of Ireland Under-21 international celebrated a new deal at the Macron Stadium by making his Championship debut in last weekend’s 0-0 draw at Reading.
Wilkinson, signed for a nominal fee from Millwall in July 2013, has made significant progress this season, scoring his first goal in the Football League during a successful loan spell at Oldham Athletic in October. He also made his first appearances in a Whites’ shirt in the Capital One Cup, featuring against both Bury and Crewe back in August.
With Craig Davies injured, Lennon has not ruled out the 19-year-old making his first league start for the club against Ipswich Town this afternoon.
“I have been impressed with him for the last few weeks,” he told The Bolton News. “Since he signed the contract, he seems to have upped his game.
“I thought he handled himself well against Reading and we looked like dangerous when he came on and started linking play with Max (Clayton) and Chungy. He will come into consideration.”
Wilkinson had spells on loan at Torquay United and Chester in his first season at Bolton but after some strong showings over the summer, he went on to have a big impact at Boundary Park in a two-month stint at Oldham.
Latics boss Lee Johnson has told Wanderers he would like to bring the powerful striker back in the New Year if possible. But for now, Lennon wants to take a close look at the youngster, who was once linked with a move to Portugese giants Benfica in his very early days at the Den.
“He is something different,” Lennon said. “He has got a lovely first touch; he is predominantly a leftie.
“We think he is talented. He's 19 now and in two years time he could be anything in terms of developing his game and his physique.
“We feel he has got great potential so it is down to him now to keep working on his game.”
Source