Ian Evatt believes new recruit Shola Shoretire will help Wanderers’ front line unlock defences in their quest to keep firing on all cylinders in their top-six quest.
Shoretire has joined the Whites on loan for the rest of the season from Manchester United to become Wanderers’ third January signing.
The 18-year-old arrives with a burgeoning CV which has already seen him make a handful of first-team appearances for the former Premier League champions.
His creativity and ability to play in a number of forward roles has seen emerge successfully from the Academy ranks at Old Trafford.
And with a ‘sprinkle of quality and magic to unlock doors’, Evatt feels the arrival of the teenager will bring a valuable extra attacking option to a side sitting fifth in League One on the back of a six-match unbeaten league run.
“It offers us something different. We need different things to win different football matches, especially when teams are in that low block,” said the Wanderers’ boss.
“We need someone that can receive centrally, win a one-v-one duel and create, whether it be a pass or a cross or a finish.
“We feel Shola can do that so I’m very excited to have him here.”
Shoretire’s signing brings added quality and potential to Wanderers’ squad as they look to extend an unbeaten six-game league run at Derby County on Saturday and maintain their push for at least a play-off place.
And the teenager also adds to the Premier League pedigree in the Whites’ ranks as Wanderers seek to add to their success in working with some of the top clubs in the country.
“He’s a player I’ve been aware of an admired for a long time. We’ve worked extremely hard to get him here,” added Evatt.
“Getting any young player who is as highly thought of as Shola is and around Manchester United’s first team isn’t going to be easy.
“But Manchester United trust us with what we’re doing and have seen what’s happened with Conor Bradley and James Trafford, for instance.
“We’re delighted to have him and I’m really looking forward to working with him.”