The 21-year-old has made just 13 appearances for the Trotters since a three-million-pound move from Watford almost a year ago, although started his first game since August in Saturday's 2-2 FA Cup draw with Sunderland, getting on the scoresheet in the process.

Sordell was subjected to racist abuse on Twitter after the Trotters game at Millwall earlier this season, but remains a prominent figure on the site, with his manager keen to see his attention switched to footballing matters.

"It has been quite a move for him and he's not quite settled," Freedman told reporters.

"There have been small issues off the field with his tweeting, let's not hide, and we're trying to deal with it.

"It could be bordering on an obsession with Twitter and Facebook and all the things that go on with these kids. We are trying to work with him - by taking his phone off him!

"He's never had a problem on the field. We have just got to get him settled down and help him with some of the off-the-field antics.

"I'm really excited to get one or two of the younger lads in the team and Marvin is only 21 so it's going to take time. I have been here a couple of months now and I think we're seeing glimmers of hope now with him."