Midfielder's efforts recently recognised as he was named in the LFE Apprentice Team of the Month
Bolton Wanderers scholar Jack Earing is certainly enjoying a season to remember at Macron Stadium.
On the Whites' books since the age of 11, the now 18-year-old was handed his Bolton debut by Phil Parkinson against Everton in the Checkatrade Trophy back in August.
Having also established himself as a regular for the Trotters' Under-23s side this season, the midfielder recently saw his efforts on and off the pitch rewarded as he was named in the LFE Apprentice Team of the Month for December.
Delighted with his first taste of senior action, Earing is keen to keep on progressing as he looks to become the latest name to graduate from Wanderers' academy.
"It was a crazy feeling pulling on the shirt for the first team," the midfielder told bwfc.co.uk in an exclusive maiden interview. "It was a proud moment for me and my family to play for the team and I hope to pull on the shirt many more times.
"I was actually training with the Under-23s when the gaffer called me up. I’d only been training with them for a few days.
"We were going through match shape when he read out the starting XI and called out my name. It was only then I knew I was starting.
"It’s a great privilege and great achievement for me at such a young age.
"To be recognised alongside the top apprentices all over the country who have also won the award is nice to know.
"It’s pleasing that my efforts on the pitch and in my education as well are being recognised by people both inside and outside of the Club.
"It’s an award that recognises young apprentices’ efforts on the pitch and in education as well. It focuses on all aspects of my apprenticeship.
"It’s a great image for the Club now. It shows all the young players coming up that if you work hard, you never know what rewards you will end up getting at the end of it."
Earing continued: "The likes of Josh [Vela], Rob [Holding] and Zach [Clough] have all come through the academy. They’re great players and played under the same coaches who are coaching me now.
"Jimmy Phillips gave me an opportunity towards the end of last season. It was nice to train with the first team alongside the likes of Emile Heskey. It was a great experience and nice moment for me.
"I’ve been playing under Nicky Spooner since Under-15s so he’s matured me into a young footballer.
"David Lee’s now taken me into Under-23s this season and seen my potential. I hope to do well with him and the Under-23s for the rest of the season.
"I want to play as many games as possible. I’ve played a few times for the Under-18s this season but mainly with the Under-23s.
"The intensity and demands are much higher but that’s football. You’ve just got to get on with it and I’m really enjoying it.
"When you get the opportunity you have to take it and hopefully my opportunity will come in the future."