Dougie Freedman has tipped Joe Mason for a "big future" after his hat-trick inspired Bolton Wanderers to their first win of the Championship season on Tuesday.
The Cardiff City loanee scored a second-half treble, including an 84th-minute winner, as the Trotters came from behind to beat Rotherham United 3-2.
Bolton boss Freedman is grateful to have Mason at his disposal and feels that his strike partnership with Craig Davies was the standout positive in what was a "fantastic" team display at the Reebok Stadium.
"I do believe the kid has a big future," Freedman told reporters. "He is still learning his trade and unfortunately for him Cardiff are blessed with lots of strikers. But we can guarantee him game time and in my opinion Joe will get you a fair share of goals.
"He and Craig Davies were immense tonight, mentally and physically. I always believe in this group of players not to lie down.
"In the end it could have been more than the scoreline suggests. The second half was a fantastic display from everyone in the team to get back in the game."
Mason, 23, scored six goals in 16 games during two loan spells with Wanderers last season.
Joe Fish
