Ian Evatt hailed the impact skipper Ricardo Santos and influential midfielder Kieran Lee made for Bolton Wanderers in the defeat to Aston Villa in the Carabao Cup.
The Whites took a deserved lead in the first half when Dion Charles slotted home from inside the box for his first goal of the season. Douglas Luiz equalised before the break straight from a corner.
The Villans went ahead from the penalty spot when, despite suggestions of offside, Danny Ings won a penalty at the expense of Joel Dixon. He picked himself up to slot home from the spot.
READ MORE: Danny Ings pays Bolton compliment, offside view & how Aston Villa were told to approach Joel Dixon
The Villans added a third through Lucas Digne, before Leon Bailey capped off the win with a fourth towards the end. It meant the League One side exited the competition despite a spirited and encouraging performance in a 4-1 loss and bowed out at the second round stage.
Santos had a nervy game over the weekend against Sheffield Wednesday, but was back on top form against the Premier League side. Evatt reiterated the huge belief he has in the defender as he now looks torwards Plymouth Argyle on Saturday.
Evatt said: “He is a good player. We are all here to be shot at and sometimes when we don’t have our best days that happens. I forgive the mistakes.
"We are asking them to do some really difficult things, build from the back, and also defend one-v-one in large spaces and areas. There are not many who can do it like he can.
“I have a huge amount of belief in him and so should the rest of the football club and our fans. He showed today what a good player he is.
“It is funny because every opposition I keep hearing ‘run him, run him’ but nobody ever does. It is fun for us to listen to it.
"We made six changes, they didn’t and we have given them a really tough game and can freshen it up again for Saturday. Obviously some of them are going to have to go again but they are fit lads and have worked extremely hard in pre-season. They will be fine."
Another Wanderers player to catch the eye in the Sky Sports televised clash was veteran midfielder Lee. He teed up Charles for Bolton's opener and was creative throughout the encounter.
The Bolton boss heaped praise on the veteran and the qualities which he brings to the team. He believes the former Manchester United youth team product has much the younger members of his squad can learn from.
He said: "Unbelievable. His understanding and recognition of how and when to press is first class. He is so reliable in possession. His guile is really top class and his composure for the goal, that extra pass, he knew exactly where Dion was.
“He is a top player and a great example for our younger ones.”
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