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Scoring his first Bolton goal was a proud moment for Paris Maghoma – and the midfielder is hungry for more.
Maghoma got the opener at Wycombe on Tuesday night, forcing an error from Max Stryjek after a clever turn.
It was the youngster’s first start since returning from a thigh issue that kept him out of action for over a month.
Maghoma admits it was frustrating to pick up an injury as he was adjusting to life at Wanderers and hopes he can continue to make an impact on the pitch.
“It has been quite annoying,” he said. “Everyone hates being on the sidelines, you want to be there with the team and fighting.
“But at the end of the day, it is football. You have to learn how to deal with injuries. The staff and the physios have been great, getting me back fit.”
Maghoma’s return bolsters Ian Evatt’s options in the middle of the pitch heading into the busy winter months.
Josh Sheehan and George Thomason also started at Adams Park, while Aaron Morley came off the bench to score from the penalty spot. Kyle Dempsey was also regularly involved before he was sidelined by a back problem.
The Brentford loanee is relishing the competition for places and is determined to make the most of any opportunities that come his way.
“There are a lot of players in the same position as me,” he continued. “But as I said, we are all in it together.
“If I am not starting one game or another player is not starting, we are still there supporting each other and having each other’s backs.
“There might be a time in the game where the gaffer calls you and needs you to come on, so we are always ready.”
Tuesday night’s victory saw Wanderers move within a couple of points of second-place Oxford, and Maghoma believes there is still more to come from the side.
“I think we started the season well. There are bits that we can improve on as a team,” the midfielder explained.
“I think we are gelling together, we are all working hard and trying to achieve that end goal of being promoted. It is just about sticking together and believing in each other that we can go and do it.”
Pressure is part and parcel of the game, and Maghoma knows it is something he must embrace if he is to achieve his long-term ambitions.
“Part of it is just mentality, knowing where you are and where you want to go to,” said the 22-year-old.
“For me, I strive to become the best player I can be – if that is playing in the Premier League or even the Champions League one day! That is the aim.
“Coming to Bolton, of course the club has great expectations and they have been in the Premier League. It is just about mentality really.”
Wanderers’ fixture list isn’t about to get any easier, with another tough trip to Charlton coming up this weekend.
“They will be a decent side,” Maghoma added. “We know that their attackers are good, but we are just going to stick to our gameplan and try to get the win.”
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