Steven Schumacher drops exciting claim as Bolton Wanderers fans all say the same thing about Ollie Smith | OneFootball

Smith started against Rotherham United at right-back alongside deadline day signing Cyrus Christie

Bolton Wanderers manager Steven Schumacher has dropped an exciting claim on Ollie Smith, and fans are all saying the same thing after the 18-year-old centre-back's performance in the Vertu Trophy.

Prior to Tuesday's 1-0 home win against Rotherham United, the visitors had won the last five matches between the two sides in all competitions.

Ollie Smith joined Wanderers' academy setup from Everton, and he earned his first start for the club after impressing Schumacher in a B team game against Manchester United last week.

Smith started the game at right-back alongside deadline day signing Cyrus Christie, with the latter dropping down to the third-tier since his last season at Coventry City in 13/14.

Steven Schumacher's "excellent" claim on Bolton Wanderers debutant Ollie Smith

Speaking after the win at the Toughsheet Stadium, Schumacher was full of praise for Smith's display over nearly 80 minutes of action.

"Ollie has been playing really well", Schumacher revealed. "When we were picking the team we said ‘let’s give him a go’ because we wanted to protect Cyrus a little bit because that is his first 45 minutes through the whole of the pre-season."

"We chose to play young Ollie there and he was excellent, he did really well, and to play nearly 80 minutes – I think he’s still out there clapping the fans and talking to his parents, and whatever," the former Everton coach added.

During the 79 minutes he played, Smith was never dribbled past and made 3 clearances - showing his ability to read the game well beyond his years.

Schumacher previously coached the youngster when he was just 11 years old during his time at Everton's academy. As for Smith, he signed his first professional contract with the Greater Manchester outfit earlier this summer alongside eight other academy graduates.

Fans have their say as Ollie Smith poised to make more first-team appearances for Bolton Wanderers

Perhaps most tellingly, Schumacher dropped the biggest hint about Smith's immediate prospects at the club.

"He showed loads of good signs and won a few big tackles, and he will get better I'm sure," Schumacher said. "He did well, he enjoyed it, and hopefully it won’t be the last appearance he makes."

Trotters' supporters were quick to show their appreciation for Smith's debut, with social media buzzing with positive reactions. One fan labelled the 18-year-old's performance as "outstandind" followed by a clapping hands emoji - and it received 27 likes.

Another left a personal note for the defender, just in case he decided to scroll through the replies himself after the game...

It seems as though fans also have the same thinking as Schumacher - when it comes to expecting Smith to feature more for the club.

With Shumacher's clear backing and the positive reaction from fans, Ollie Smith appears to have given himself a good chance for more game time in the future.

The manager's hint that "it won't be the last appearance he makes" backs this up as well - as it suggests he'll be playing for the Trotters first-team in some capacity, sooner rather than later.