Bolton Wanderers loan watch - how youngsters have fared

Nelson Khumbeni

Khumbeni’s spell at Morecambe ended with a thrilling 3-3 draw at Swindon over the weekend, playing 67 minutes before making way for Yann Songo’o.

The Shrimps finished the League Two campaign in 15th place amid their problems off the pitch, having confirmed in a statement last week that wages had not been paid to players or staff.

Khumbeni, who also had a stint at Fylde earlier this season, headed to the Mazuma Stadium on deadline day to get vital experience under his belt after impressing for the B Team.

The 21-year-old quickly became an important member of Ged Brannan’s squad, making 19 appearances and scoring in a 2-1 victory against local rivals Accrington.

Luke Matheson

Another youngster who caught the eye for Andy Taylor’s B Team, Matheson headed to Bohemians in February to continue his development in the League of Ireland.

The full-back has played five times so far, starting the 2-0 defeat against Dundalk on Friday and making several important blocks.

Matheson joined the Whites’ ranks in the summer following a spell at Wolves and made his senior debut against Salford in the EFL Trophy.

He was on target in the 8-1 win against Manchester United Under-21s, along with Khumbeni, and then signed a new deal running until the summer of 2025.

Matheson in action against Accrington in the EFL Trophy (Image: Camerasport)

Max Conway

Conway recently returned from his spell at Fylde after helping the Coasters avoid relegation to National League North.

The 20-year-old was a regular starter at Mill Farm after joining on an initial one-month loan, which was extended until the end of the campaign. Fylde looked destined for the drop at one stage after a tough start to the campaign but ended up finishing in 18th place.

Conway was part of Wanderers’ first-team squad during pre-season and also had stints at Rochdale and Buxton in recent memory.

Ben Andreucci

Things were going rather well for ex-Leeds youngster Andreucci until his time at Buxton was cut short by injury.

The 19-year-old had managed four goals and three assists in six appearances, making them ost of his first taste of men’s football.

However, Andreucci returned to Wanderers earlier this month and confirmed in a social media post that he needed surgery.

Gez Sithole

Sithole had hoped to help fire Chorley to promotion via the National League North play-offs but the Magpies came up just short against Brackley at the weekend, missing out on a clash with Boston in the final.

The young forward, who also spent time at Altrincham earlier in the campaign, made several appearances off the bench at Victory Park.

Finlay Lockett

Another youngster who has made a big impact for the B Team, Lockett was hoping to get minutes under his belt at Southport during the final weeks of the campaign.

The versatile wideman made a couple of substitute appearances under former Morecambe and Rochdale chief Jim Bentley, whose side finished mid-table in National League North.

Gio Loureiro

Loureiro joined NPL North West Division side Nantwich last month to help their play-off push during the run-in. However, the Dabbers finished in 10th place despite ending the campaign with a 2-1 victory against Widnes.

Loureiro made an immediate impact off the bench to set up Callum Saunders’ winner at the weekend. He also got on the scoresheet against Hednesford on his debut earlier this month.

Ellis Litherland

Litherland headed to Bamber Bridge on an emergency loan and was thrown straight in at the deep end, starting between the sticks in the last four matches.

The youngster made several impressive stops during his debut against Whitby and is hoping to be involved in the LFA County Cup final against Colne on Tuesday night.