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Elias Kachunga says he has still got time to get fully fit and make an impact on Wanderers’ play-off pursuit.
The former Sheffield Wednesday and Huddersfield Town striker has made two appearances as a substitute since returning from a long-term thigh injury.
Kachunga enjoyed his best spell of form in November, where he scored four goals in quick succession, and hopes he can still find a touch of magic in the final eight games as Ian Evatt’s side chase a top six spot.
“There are still a few games left and last week was a bit unlucky – I could have scored with my first touch against Plymouth,” he said. “But that’s football.
“Against Crewe I got the free kick, so I have influenced already those two games.
“I don’t look at goals or assists, they would be perfect, but if I my performance can help us win games that is all that really matters to me.”
Kachunga picked up the injury in a Papa John’s Trophy game against Hartlepool and has been forced to watch on as Bolton’s form improved with a raft of new signings.
Behind the scenes the Germany-born striker has been an instrumental figure in helping the new side bond and he was determined not to allow himself to mope.
“These things happen,” he said. “It was frustrating but I am now old enough to know what to do when you get injuries. It is part of the job.
“It is your responsibility to get back as soon as you can, fit and back into the team, and I am looking forward to the next games.
“At the start I came with no pre-season with the team but then got stronger and stronger.
“I then had a really strong run of games and I think I showed what quality I have.
“Injuries are unlucky but it is what it is. I need to try and keep my performance at a high level and then see where we end it.”
Wanderers have a free weekend before the short trip to face Wigan Athletic, where Kachunga hopes to play more football than was managed on a cow patch at Crewe on Saturday.
“Pitches like that, you can’t go and play nice football, you have to win the game with set pieces or get on a mistake and win the game,” he said.
“We have games coming up on better pitches and we can play better football but we still have to work together and make sure at first we don’t concede. “If there is no goal then you can win it at the end, so we have to keep up that performance.”
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