MANCHESTER City have pulled James Trafford in for extra training as they try to develop him into a Premier League goalkeeper of the future.

The 19-year-old will be in goal for the Whites this afternoon in League One as they take on Lincoln City at the University of Bolton Stadium, just days after playing for England’s Under-21s against Germany.

Ian Evatt has revealed the significant workload handled by the young stopper as he tried to develop his game – including extra sessions with his parent club on his day off with Wanderers.

“A couple of weeks ago, I spoke to Xabier Mancisidor, Manchester City’s goalkeeper coach,” Evatt told The Bolton News. “They are very respectful about us and what we are doing with James and asked if they could have him in one day a week on our day off to still work with him, give him more of their coaching, more progression. And, of course, we want what is best for them and what is best for James.

“There is no issue there. I know they are extremely tough on him, demand huge things, huge standards, and not only do we go through his clips with him and Matt (Gilks) goes through it with him, but they do as well and are very critical.

“The demands to play at that level are enormous so they are trying to get him into that frame of mind. All these things are going into James’ development and at the moment, everything seems to be going to plan.”

Wanderers took Trafford on loan in January as a relatively inexperienced keeper who had struggled to get regular football at Accrington Stanley in his first spell away from City.

His progress since then has been undeniable, and the Cumbrian has gone on to become a popular player among Bolton supporters. Crucially, says Evatt, he has also honed his skills in a competitive environment.

“I think one of the improvements James has made, what has really helped him playing for this football club is the pressure that comes with it from a huge fanbase,” he said.

“Let’s be honest – there is big pressure, huge expectancy for a young keeper.

“We have to remember that he was written off before he stepped in the door here, for many reasons, and I think the fans have come around to the fact that he’s a very good goalkeeper.

“We have to give great credit to Matt Gilks, who has worked really hard with him on improving his game. Matt is a very experienced keeper, as we know, he was great for us when he played in League Two. He has had a fantastic career and he understands and knows what it takes to play at the highest level. He has seen some really good signs from James.

“The work that they are doing together is fantastic and it is helping him mature as a goalkeeper.

“Understanding that he is number one at a big football club with big expectancy, he has really taken it onboard and shown really good signs. But there is lots of work to do with him still.”