New signing Lonergan says he is getting to grips with pre-season training
Andy Lonergan says that he has really enjoyed his first week at Wanderers - but the 28-year-old revealed he has never trained as hard in his professional career.Sporting a couple of blisters for his efforts, the former Preston and Leeds stopper believes he is already starting feeling the benefits of goalkeeping coach Phil Hughes' methods and intensity.
Lonergan made his Bolton debut at Hamilton Academical on Saturday afternoon, playing the second 45 minutes at New Douglas Park.
"I'm glad to get it out of the way to be honest as I was a little bit nervous before the game," he said.
"I felt like I've just got to go out and prove myself to everyone and hopefully I've made a good impression to start.
He added: "I'm grateful for the training. It's magnificent and it can only make you better.
"I want to maintain this level of training throughout my career because you look at Adam and how much he's improved and hopefully I can do the same.
"The lads that are here are fantastic. Jay's a great keeper for his age and Adam is outstanding - I can't speak highly enough of him as a person and as a goalkeeper.
"I've made a point of watching Adam over the last six months and coming he has confirmed to me that he is a top keeper. He's actually better than I thought.
"There are some great lads. I think coming away was probably the best thing we could do. We are training hard but it's good to spend a lot of time with your team-mates."
Lonergan acknowledges that there will be tough competition for the goalkeeping jersey, but he believes that he and Bogdan will be pushing each other in a friendly and encouraging environment.
He said: "There is competition, but if Adam plays I want him to do well because that is the best thing for the team and for the club.
"And if I play, I'm sure he wants me to do well too."