Bolton Wanderers boss Owen Coyle was delighted to hand Joe Riley his debut in their rout of Stoke City.

The 20-year-old right back from Boothstown was thrown into the side and was faultless in the 5-0 win.

"He gave an unbelievable performance," Coyle told the Bolton News. "Nobody will put you under more pressure than Stoke when it comes to defending your box, but he stood up to it.

"We played Mark Davies wide on the right to help Joe Riley but he dealt with everything himself.

"We purposely took him off with 30 seconds left to get that standing ovation. The supporters recognise he is a young talent and a young boy who, if he continues to learn, is set for a big career.

"I said to him when he came off 'Enjoy that but let that be your standard'. He's got to realise that's what it's all about.

"He was in on merit. He's been outstanding for the reserves and played against Macclesfield in the Carling Cup and was terrific.

"It was time to give him a chance. We thought he could be against Matthew Etherington but it turned out to be Jon Walters who was one of the top players in the Premier League in the last year.

"But the kid did everything so well. Then Cameron Jerome came on to his side but nothing fazed him. We know he has a good mentality, so much so he was the one pushing forward at the end to try and get himself a goal."