The Trotters substitute conjured the winning goal in the final minute of stoppage time at the Reebok Stadium, and moved Bolton to within five points of Brighton, who currently occupy the final play-off place.
Full of praise for the former Burnley winger, Freedman said: "He's a talented lad and he's got that magic dust that we all look for," said the Scot. "He's got that spark, he's different.
"He's lost a little bit of that energy through me flogging him for 20-odd games or whatever I've done it for so I pulled him out of the team as a decision to benefit the whole group - not because I think he's lost form, just because I think it's the right decision.
"Luckily enough the opportunity fell to Chris who, if you know him, is a very confident character no matter what the situation is.
"He's a very chirpy lad who tells me how wonderful he is every day so I've got no doubt that if it does come his way he's going to sink it."
Freedman also praised his players' collective efforts, he said: "The defence were outstanding because they gave us the opportunity to win that game.
"Big Andy Lonergan made that wonderful save from Jordan Rhodes, who normally sinks them away.
"They gave us the opportunity to win so it's all about a team effort tonight. It was about making sure it was 0-0 and we had that opportunity."
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