ALAN LEE reckons Chris Atkinson has the ability to make a big impact for Town in the Championship.

The pair both made their first starts of the campaign in the derby clash with Leeds, and are eyeing follow-up outings when Bolton come to the John Smith’s Stadium today.

Experienced frontman Lee watched right-back Jack Hunt make his mark after returning from a loan stint at Chesterfield the season before last.

The 34-year-old believes academy product Atkinson, who recently returned from the Derbyshire club after playing 16 times for them, can follow suit.

Having notched five goals while at Chesterfield, 20-year-old Atkinson chalked up a first for Town in the 4-2 defeat by Leeds, and Lee said: “He took his goal really well.

“It was great to see Chris make his mark because he’s a good young player and he produced a good performance on a big occasion.

“He’ll keep his feet on the ground, and he still has a long way to go, but he has the ability to make an impression here.”

Atkinson, who had a loan stint at Darlington last season, has made three full appearances and three as a substitute for Town.

The loss to Leeds left Town 15th after taking just one point from 12, while Bolton, three points and three places behind, lost 2-1 at home to Ipswich.

That was a first defeat in seven matches at the helm for ex-Crystal Palace boss Freedman, once a playing colleague of Lee’s at Selhurst Park.

The 38-year-old Glaswegian had two spells as a player at Palace – the striker also turned out for Barnet, Wolves, Nottingham Forest and Southend – and replaced Owen Coyle at Bolton.

His success as a manager does not surprise Lee, who explained: “Dougie was always very switched on.

“He developed a good side at Palace and put some strong structures in place without, as far as I am aware, spending a lot of money, and I can why Bolton were impressed.”

Freedman’s squad includes Arsenal striker and former Town loan player Benik Afobe as well as midfielder Keith Andrews, a close-season target of Town boss Simon Grayson.

Both clubs have players suspended, with Town midfielder Keith Southern completing a three-match ban and Bolton defender Tyrone Mears sitting out one game.

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