Emmanuel-Thomas won the 2009 FA Youth Cup Final with Arsenal

Blackpool manager Ian Holloway believes on-loan midfielder Jay Emmanuel-Thomas has the potential of becoming one of the country's best players.

The Arsenal youngster will return to his parent club following Saturday's game with Scunthorpe, after completing his three-month loan with Blackpool.

"I certainly know what he's good at," Holloway told BBC Radio Lancashire.

"When he realises what he has got and how best to show it off I think he'll be a terrific footballer."

Emmanuel-Thomas joined Arsenal as a trainee in 2008, but was offered to Holloway in order to gain first-team experience.

The England under-19 international has impressed since arriving at Bloomfield Road in August, and his skill level has impressed Holloway.

"He's still learning because he's only 18 but a large amount of his game is very good," he said.

"He's a wonderful talent to watch and I'm sure if he chooses to use it to its maximum he could have a fantastic career."

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