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Ian Evatt is delighted to have Kieran Lee back involved – but says Wanderers have to be careful with the experienced midfielder.
The 34-year-old missed the final months of last season after having surgery to treat a bone spur on his heel but started in the 1-1 draw at Ipswich on the opening day.
Evatt says Lee was a big miss for the Whites but believes they will have to be careful when managing his playing time.
“Kieran is a big player for us. He is super intelligent, not just with the ball and in possession but without it,” he told The Bolton News.
“The way he triggers presses and moves out of possession is excellent. He is a good player and we have missed him.
“But we also have to be slightly cautious with him. He missed a lot of football and old Father Time isn’t being the kindest to him at the moment!
“We need to make sure we look after him, but he is a huge player for us and we are delighted to have him back.”
Wanderers take on Wycombe this afternoon in their first home fixture of the new League One campaign.
Evatt knows the Chairboys’ attack will pose a threat but says the Whites have to find a way to combat it.
“There are different ways to combat opposition strengths,” added the manager.
“If you are playing against a really physical team who are good and dangerous when they arrive in your box, the name of the game is pretty simple – keep them out of your box and high up the pitch. Especially if you have got people who are athletic and can run at the back.
“We will come up with our own strategy and how to combat people’s strengths, and Wycombe have many as I’ve said, and we will back ourselves to get it right on the day.
“But for now, it is about focus, hard work and making sure our gameplan is right for Saturday.”
Ricardo Santos and Gethin Jones continue to play a key role in the Bolton squad as captain and vice-captain respectively.
Evatt says they are good role models for the likes of Conor Bradley and Eoin Toal and hopes they can continue to improve over the coming season.
“Gethin at 26, and Rico at 27. They are still not in their prime really, but very good characters and leaders,” he said.
“Good men and good examples from the young players to learn from for sure.”
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