Manager Lee Johnson hailed youngster Jordan Bove after he notched his first professional goal to beat Bradford City 1-0 in last night's Johnstone's Paint Trophy fixture.
The 18-year-old scored five minutes after coming on as a second half substitute to become the hero and send Latics into the second round of the competition.The Johnstone's Paint Trophy has brought Bove contrasting fortunes over the past year. After his sending off last season, the youngster was the match winner last night and the manager could not be happier for the player.
He said: "I'm delighted for young Jordan because it's probably come out the blue for him. He probably wasn't expecting to get on the bench, let alone play but he is a natural goalscorer and he's proven that in the youth team.
"The question is can he step up, but he definitely showed energy. I thought he pressed well and got himself in great positions so that's a good habit to have if things fall for you."
Johnson gave his overall thoughts on the game and felt his players performed admirably against a strong Bradford City side.
"Winning and a clean sheet is a good habit to have. I was really pleased with the back four tonight and delighted to go through. It was a tough game and a real slog. Both sides were committed and with the likes of Forte and Poleon to come in, we will have that pace to stretch teams," the gaffer commented.
"It was a good tactical game and they played it well. I was pleased with the defence and the midfield because I can't really remember Rachubka having a save to make so we limited them. I'm trying to keep the back four solid because we've been doing a lot of work on it and it's paying off at the moment."
With spirits high at the club at the moment with back-to-back victories and clean sheets, the 33-year-old feels the side can still become stronger despite the departure of striker Jonson Clarke-Harris.
"Poleon and Forte can play up front. Ideally we are looking for one more player and that is a striker of a certain ilk," admitted the boss.
"It was disappointing to lose Jonson because we were getting him to a good point in his career but it was a good deal for the club and we might have to reshuffle the pack so that might leave the door open for someone to fill."
Watch the full interview on Latics Player.