JIMMY Phillips has vowed to test out Wanderers’ youngsters in the Championship – but only if they have earned it.

Appointed as interim boss for the last nine games of the campaign, the academy chief is expected to blood some of the talent he helped through the system with one eye on the future.

Wanderers are looking to rebuild with a spine of home-grown players next season but Phillips has warned he will not be throwing open the doors to the first team for the sake of making changes.

The likes of Tom Walker, Kaiyne Woolery and Alex Finney could get their shot as the Whites play out the campaign.

“It won’t be a free ride,” said Phillips. “Even though I’m the academy manager they will have to deserve that opportunity. It doesn’t just follow on that younger players will be put straight in.

“As we saw under Neil Lennon’s guidance some players have come through, and Rob Holding in particular is having a great second half to the season.

“But I am a firm believer in rewarding younger players when they are at the top of their game, so there is time for some.”

Wanderers go to Bristol City today searching for their first away win all season.

Phillips hopes his introduction can bring about an upturn in results and give fans some hope over the summer.

“I don’t think I can bank on a new manager bounce but I certainly hope that can be the case,” he told The Bolton News. “Going back to when I was a player you always had a fresh impetus whenever a new face was in charge. I’d hope we can have an upturn in fortune.

“From what I have seen of the performances – which being academy manager it has been difficult to get to away games – but from the games at home the team haven’t played at all badly.

“It could have been different and we could have been looking at a healthier points tally, but we’re not. The team has one point in nine and we’re in the position we are in.

“What will be, will be. I want to make sure we pick up some points and give the fans something to smile about again. It has been a very difficult time.”