Bolton assistant boss Steve Parkin described Newcastle loanee Sammy Ameobi as "unplayable" as he helped put Port Vale to the sword at the Macron Stadium.
Goals from Zach Clough, Josh Vela and Lawrie Wilson helped Bolton secure a sixth successive win in all competitions - their best run of form since 1976.
Winger Ameobi stole the show in the 3-1 victory, however, producing a man-of-the-match display which drew a standing ovation from the home fans as he left the field late in the game.
The 24-year-old is out of contract on Tyneside at the end of the season but, after spending time shipped out on loan to Cardiff and Middlesbrough in recent years, he has now discovered a new lease of life in the North West.
"He was unplayable at times, he's a talent, no doubt about it,"
Parkin said. "He needed a run in a team, to be given a chance and we have done that for him.
"We have reiterated to him how important it is to work on his fitness, so he can play full games or certainly 70-80 minutes. He's done that, his stats in training are very good.
"And as you've seen there, he's a very talented lad. His touch is superb and he must be very difficult to mark."