Chris Powell says Huddersfield Town midfielder Kyle Dempsey needs time to fulfil his rich potential.
The 20-year-old has yet to make a Championship start, but made his third appearance from the bench in the 2-1 win at Charlton Athletic.
The £5m sale of Jacob Butterfield to Derby County has opened doors for Dempsey, a £300,000 close-season buy from Carlisle United, where he came through the youth system.
But Powell, who also has Dean Whitehead, Jonathan Hogg, on-loan Wigan Athletic man Emyr Huws and Philip Billing as central options, is wary of asking too much too soon.
“You have to remember Kyle has only had one full season,” said Powell.
“He has made his first career move and gone up two divisions.
“Kyle still has a lot to learn, but he is very coachable and very willing to learn.”
Dempsey, from Maryport on the Cumbrian coast, made 51 appearances and scored 11 goals for Carlisle.
His sole Town start so far was in the Capital One Cup first-round tie at home to Notts County.
“We have seen snippets of Kyle, like his appearance at Charlton, but there is still a way to go,” added Powell.
“We feel confident he will develop – that’s why we brought him in.
“He hasn’t had a lot of football, but what he showed last season is why he is here.
“And we like a lot of what we see from him on a daily basis.”
Dempsey was also a promising rugby league player as a youth.
He was offered terms by Wigan Warriors as well as football club Carlisle as a 16-year-old.
Meanwhile Bolton Wanderers midfielder Neil Danns says he is looking forward to a John Smith’s Stadium return.
The 32-year-old played for Town on loan from Leicester City in 2013.
“I had a good time there and got on well with the fans,” he said.
“I have fond memories of the place but they will know I am wearing my heart on my sleeve for Bolton now.
“We are playing with belief and we are capable of winning this game.”
