Jordan on bench for FA Cup tie
Jordan Bove confessed to being surprised by his call up to the Latics' squad for yesterday's FA Cup with Budweiser, first-round tie against Wolves.The 17-year-old (pictured), a second-year scholar, then found himself on the bench.
Bove, who has scored 14 goals in 12 youth-team matches, said: "It was a surprise. I went to training with the youth team on Friday at Chapel Road and was called back to train with the first team.
"It has been exciting and a completely different experience to be involved with the first team.
"I have really enjoyed it and hope it is the first of many call ups for the first team."
Bove, who is from Manchester, was at Manchester City between the ages of seven and 11 years.
He was spotted by Latics playing for Manchester Boys. He also starred for AFC Clayton.
Bove has been with Latics since he was an under-14's player and the latest player to emerge from the Academy.
Academy Manager Tony Philliskirk said: "Jordan has had a great season so far and deserves his chance.
"It is great that the senior staff have recognised what he has done and called him into the first-team squad.
"Jordan works hard, has a fantastic attitude to win and an instinct to score in and around the box.
"It is great for the youth department that in recent weeks Tomos Clarke and Jordan, both scholars, have been called into the first-team squad."