Ian Evatt reckons new signing Zac Ashworth has a bright future ahead and is excited to work with the youngster.

Ashworth joined Wanderers from West Brom last week on an initial loan deal that could become permanent.

He spent the second half of last season on loan at Burton, playing 18 times for the Brewers in all competitions, and has also made several first-team appearances at the Hawthorns.

The 20-year-old played an hour against Salford as a wide centre-back before he was replaced by Jack Iredale, but he is also comfortable in a more advanced role as a wing-back.

Evatt believes he is just what the Whites needed after George Johnston’s injury, which could keep the 24-year-old out of action for the entire season.

“We need some multi-functional players who can play in different roles, especially after losing George,” he said.

“It was important that we have some left-footed cover on that side of the pitch. He is a really promising young player that we think can reach some real heights in the game.

“He wants to be with us, he wants to learn with us and I’m looking forward to working with him.”

Joel Coleman got another 90 minutes under his belt against the Ammies, making a couple of good stops during the first half, and Evatt is pleased with his new-look goalkeeping department.

Nathan Baxter has also featured in pre-season, and the boss hopes that healthy competition will pay off over the coming season.

“Those ‘keepers are still getting used to us and I think both have shown what they can do over pre-season,” he added.

“Obviously, they are still getting used to how we do things and what we want to do in terms of playing out and some of our triggers and patterns, but they will improve with that.

“In terms of their goalkeeping, they have both been great which is exactly what we wanted.”

While it was only a friendly, Evatt was encouraged by the determination his side showed to come from behind and win the game against a Salford side who finished in the League Two play-offs last term.

The Whites have had a strong record at home over the past couple of seasons, but the boss insists they must also be resilient on the road if they are to achieve their goals.

“That is something you will have to do in the football season,” he continued.

“You have to react to adversity and show resilience, especially away from home, and we have done that today.

“I think in pre-season we have probably not scored as many as we should and we have conceded some sloppy ones as well, but that’s football and we will go again.”