Bolton Wanderers boss Owen Coyle insists they can compete with Manchester United and Manchester City for the region's best youngsters.

Coyle is demanding more local talent come through the Trotters' academy.

"I have told the staff we have who are out there recruiting players that we have to be right in there pitching with the very best," Coyle told The Bolton News. "People think because we are in a catchment area with Manchester United, or Manchester City, that is a problem but I don't think so. I think it's a positive.

"This season we have played Jack Wilshere at 18, Vladimir Weiss at 19, Chung-Yong Lee at 21, Fab Muamba at 22.

"I don't care what age they are - if they are good enough, they are old enough.

"I have done that at every single club I have ever been at. They will play for me, and I think that is a selling point for any parent who looks at Bolton Wanderers and says 'they give their young players a chance and get them into their team.' You do have to get a balance and make sure they have the older players to provide balance.

"You really need the likes of Kevin Davies to marry it all together.

"You need an injection of enthusiasm, and quality, and there is no reason why players can't have those things at 18 or 19.

"We need to be in there at the grassroots, pitching for the best players. We need to be doing that at our absolute maximum and then make sure they have the right coaching in place to teach them the things I expect of them."