Bolton Wanderers 3-1 Barnsley: Man of the Match - Mark Little

I’ve fallen for many of our right backs over the years. Nicky Hunt. Gretaar Steinsson. Joe Riley. Lawrie Wilson. The list goes on. Despite all my past loves, I think I’ve finally found the one, and his name is Mark Little.

It’s often tough to give praise to a full back because their position isn’t the most exciting in the world, but Little deserves all the plaudits from yesterday’s game. He was absolutely outstanding from start to finish. Quick in the tackle, defensively aware and an attacking threat (both leading and supporting), he was our best and most consistent player by a country mile.

Even though he excelled in all areas yesterday, this isn’t the first time he’s impressed me. Both him and young Robinson on the opposite flank have been pretty consistent since they arrived at The Macron - the only off game I can think our Everton loanee has had was against Middlesborough; but let’s not over-analyse that.

Anyway, back to Little. His versatility on that right flank works wonders for us, so I hope it continues for the remainder of the season. His goal was fantastic and well deserved - it’s great to know he’s got that in his locker and that our system allows him to get forward and link up with whoever’s playing wide right.

A standout choice for this week’s MOTM accolade; get your feet up, Mark. You deserve it.