Owen Coyle reckons Daniel Sturridge has "a glittering career" ahead of him if he retains the hunger and desire he has so far shown with Bolton.
Sturridge has been an inspiration since recently joining Bolton on loan from Chelsea until the end of the season, scoring a goal in each of his three appearances.
With limited opportunities for him at Stamford Bridge, the 21-year-old is making the most of his chance at the Reebok Stadium, as Coyle always knew would be the case.
"He's not surprised me. That's why I brought him to the football club," said Coyle.
"I'm not sitting here trying to be smug, but it didn't surprise me as to how well Jack Wilshere did here when we had him on loan from Arsenal because of the belief I had in him as a player.
"I would say it's been all about giving these lads a platform to go and show their quality, and Daniel is now showing that.
"I've always had that belief in him, and that's why I did everything in my power to bring him to the club.
"It's great when it comes to fruition, and what Daniel has to do now is continue in that vein and focus on what is in front of him.
"I believe if he continues as he has been doing then he will have a glittering career, but he's the one who has to deliver when he crosses the white line.
"I know the lad and he's focused and determined to try and do that."
Chelsea boss Carlo Ancelotti effectively this week ruled out any hope Coyle might have of making the move permanent in the summer by stating Sturridge will return to the Bridge at the end of the loan.
Coyle, though, maintains there may yet be dialogue to come, in particular when he considers the players ahead of Sturridge in the pecking order at Chelsea.
"If Carlo and Chelsea feel his future is there then that doesn't surprise me because as I've said before he is a terrific player," added Coyle.
"There's no shame in not being in the Chelsea starting line-up with Torres, Anelka, Drogba, Malouda and Kalou - these are fantastic, top-class players in world football, not just in league football.
"But I believe Daniel getting a platform shows he can mix with that sort of quality, and again it will be up to Daniel to see how far he takes it.
"For Chelsea it was a win-win situation because they have a young player out on loan with the platform of playing in the Premier League, allowing him to improve.
"And Chelsea will get back, as Arsenal did with Jack Wilshere, a player with experience, and all the better for it.
"Clearly the loan only runs to the end of the season, and then if there is anything in terms of dialogue for next season, that's a different subject."
