'Can only bode well' - Blackpool boss shares hope for youngster after exposure
Oli Hunter has featured on the Blackpool bench over the last few weeks.
Blackpool’s recent injuries have presented an opportunity for teenager Oli Hunter to get some exposure around the first-team.
Since taking over the top job at Bloomfield Road last October, Ian Evatt has been forced to manage a large number of senior absentees.
This has seen a number of youngsters called upon at various points, with Oluchi Nwankwo and Theo Upton being the most prominent.
With the former currently out injured and the latter out on loan with AFC Fylde, Hunter has been the U18s figure to help out at Squires Gate.
While the 17-year-old has only been an unused substitute, Evatt believes his experiences now will benefit him in the long-term.
“Oli has stepped forward, like Oluchi (Nwankwo) did in pre-season, like Theo (Upton) did,” he said last week.
“When we have these injuries there’s opportunities for these young players to come up here and start to train with us.
“We get a good look at them. Oli has impressed me, I think he’s got a bright future. He’s not there yet, he’s not ready yet, but he’s learning all of the time.
“He’s picking good habits up around here, which is important for young players, and it can only bode well for his future.”