BURY boss David Flitcroft remains eager to work with Bolton Wanderers defender Hayden White again despite his sending off at Northampton Town on Boxing Day.

The 19-year-old former Sheffield Wednesday player was handed an immediate four-match ban after picking up his second straight red card of the campaign for “fighting” with Cobblers forward Ivan Toney.

His suspension effectively ended White’s two-month stay at the JD Stadium, which was due to finish after Saturday’s trip to Dagenham & Redbridge.

Flitcroft admitted some frustration after the Wanderers development squad player returned to the Macron having made just two appearances for the Shakers.

He joined with a three-match suspension still to run from a red card picked up in a previous loan spell at Carlisle and then injured his knee injury in a belated debut against Newport County.

But the Bury boss saw enough raw talent in the youngster during his brief stay to believe he has the makings of a top-class player.

“I feel for him because I believe he is the sort of player that will flourish in and around our environment,” said Flitcroft.

“There is a player in there. He is the quickest player in the league. I really think he could gain a lot by being with us.

“But it has been stop start. I have not been able to get in a rhythm with him and I want to.

“There is a real passion in him that I feel, if I could unlock and give him a cause then the kid can fly.

“He needs a lot of work and I would love to be that person to work with him.

“I am not too sure if I will get that opportunity, but it is one we will see.”

While White returned to Wanderers with the door at least ajar for a possible second spell at the JD Stadium, the recriminations that followed his initial stay are sure to linger into the new year.

Flitcroft claimed referee Michael Bull “guessed” before giving both White and Toney their marching orders.

He was critical of Bull’s failure to consult his officials before making the decision and was adamant the referee could not have seen the circumstances that led to both players grappling on the floor behind the Bury goal.

The two players became entangled after a Northampton corner, and continued their dispute while Bull, and the TV cameras, followed a Bury break after they cleared the danger, meaning there was no evidence with which to launch an appeal.

Flitcroft confirmed that he and Northampton manager Chris Wilder held a meeting with Bull and his team of officials to discuss the incident after the game and was now in the process of compiling a report after being unhappy with the treatment he received.

“What was said in the referee’s office I will have to keep close to my chest,” he said.

“But I was in there with Chris Wilder and we were both of the same opinion that there was a real lack of respect shown to us in that room.

“That is something we are doing a report about and are trying to get right.

“We have gone in as two managers, quite calmly, to ask for answers and we never got them.”