Steven Schumacher has declared there is 'no limit' to Max Conway's development at Bolton Wanderers. The manager's praise follows the homegrown defender's standout performance in the 1-0 victory over Cardiff City, a result that lifted the club to 20th in the Championship.

Conway, a 23-year-old left-back, has been a consistent presence this season, making 17 defensive contributions in the Cardiff match alone. He blocked two shots and recovered the ball ten times, playing a part in the build-up to Thierry Gale's 90th-minute winner. That clean sheet was Bolton's second of the season and their first at home, a vital boost for a side that had conceded 12 goals in its first seven games.

Rapid rise through the ranks

Schumacher pointed to Conway's journey as proof of his capacity to handle the step up. "He has to concentrate all the time, not lose discipline with his shape, keep working on his one-v-one defending, because actually when he gets the ball, a lot of his stuff is good," the manager said. Conway has played in a higher division in each of the last five seasons, progressing from League Two two years ago to the Championship now.

The defender's form earned him a place in the EFL Team of the Week. His upcoming 48th league appearance will make him the first Bolton academy graduate to reach that milestone since Zach Clough in November 2016. Schumacher highlighted Conway's physical and technical attributes as a foundation for more growth. He described the player as left-footed, quick, strong, and improving in aerial duels while becoming more aggressive in one-on-one defensive situations.

Building on a key win

The win over Cardiff halted a run of four consecutive defeats, with Bolton's recent form reading WLLLL. The team now has seven points from seven matches and faces a tough test next, travelling to face Norwich City on September 20. Schumacher will hope Conway's continued progress can help solidify a defence that has been breached frequently. The manager must also plan without the sidelined Lewis Brunt and Luca Stephenson for the upcoming fixtures.

For Conway, the challenge is to maintain the level that has drawn such strong endorsement from his boss. His development is a bright spot for a club looking to climb the standings from its current position. The full-back's journey from the academy to a key first-team role exemplifies the pathway Schumacher wants to see more players follow.

The original report is at The Bolton News