Ian Evatt hailed Sonny Sharples-Ahmed after the youngster helped Wanderers edge past Fleetwood on his first senior start.
The 19-year-old was given the nod alongside Jay Matete in midfield and was involved in Aaron Collins’ late winner as the Whites finished top of the group and booked their place in the knockout stage.
Gethin Jones also made his first start of the campaign as he steps up his recovery from a knee injury suffered at the start of pre-season.
“I thought Sonny was outstanding, he was brilliant and it was great to see,” said Evatt after the final whistle.
“He has been training with us a fair bit, he has been doing really well and deserved an opportunity. I thought he grasped it with both hands, I was really impressed with him.
“Geth brought what he brings, he is a huge member of our squad as a leader and a person. The players need his voice around the dressing room because he brings experience.
“He is used to what is required to play at this football club and what is required to play for me. He showed us what we have been missing – that recovery pace and athleticism, the overlaps from deeper position and speed of those overlaps. You can see he is getting fitter and stronger.
“The conversation with Geth before the game, it was never the plan to play 90 minutes. I just said, ‘we will give you as long as you need, you have to be honest and let me know when you’ve had enough without taking any risks.’
“That speaks volume to Geth, he never once mentioned that he was tired or needed to come off. He got through the game and it is great to see.”
The result sees Wanderers return to winning ways after their drubbing at Stockport, although the main focus is the visit of Blackpool after the international break.
“I thought it was a really difficult game,” the manager added. “We knew they would come with almost a full strength team.
“Obviously, Charlie (Adam) is a guy who I played with for a long time and we have a personal relationship. I knew he would want to come and have a right go at us.
“These games are always challenging at the best of times but on the back of Saturday, it makes the game even more difficult.
“I thought the two most important things we showed were a competitive edge and working hard for each other, with and without the ball.
“Are there things we can do better. Absolutely. I thought we could put the ball at risk a little bit more, but it is not easy when they are in an organised block.
“People will say ‘get the ball forwards’ but we have to create the space first because there wasn’t a lot of space.
“When we did get into good areas, I thought we could have passed between lines faster and cleaner. Winning the game is the most important thing and we have done that.
“Now, we have to get ready for a 10-day break and big game against Blackpool, which is vitally important that we get back on the league campaign and get winning again.”
