Goalkeeper pleased with performance on first league start of the season
Andy Lonergan admitted he was happy at finding himself in the starting line-up against Ipswich Town on Saturday afternoon, but was disheartened that Wanderers didn’t take all three points.
The 30-year-old was handed his first league start of the campaign in the absence of Adam Bogdan against the Tractor Boys, but confessed that he and his teammates were frustrated after being forced to settle for a point at the final whistle.
"You’ve got to give Ipswich credit – Mick McCarthy’s teams are often hard to beat," he said following the game. "We huffed and puffed as did they, but they didn’t really create anything. It is disappointing to let another lead slip so soon after scoring.
"I think personally that a point probably was a fair result. They were very organised, as they always are.
"We knew how they were going to play with a big man up front flicking them on, but we were quality at the back again which is a positive."
Having only featured in cup action so far this season, Lonergan explained that the opportunity to play league football is something which he thrives on and that he is relishing the chance to prove his worth in the coming weeks.
"I just wanted to get out there - it feels like a long time since I played,” he said. “I was happy with the game – with the goal, I dived to the right for a volley that got blocked and the next shot came in and took a big nick and the next thing I know it’s in the back of the net which is just one of those things.
"I’m not going to beat myself up over it – sometimes you see a deflection, but sometimes you don’t.
"Personally though I’m happy to be playing for however long Adam is out for. I’m confident in myself, but you need games – it is hard to come in for one and two so hopefully I can get a run."
The shot-stopper also paid tribute to recent acquisition Arran Lee-Barrett who made his first appearance on the Bolton bench on Saturday after joining the club on Thursday.
"The gaffer has signed Arran who I’ve been very impressed with in the last few days in training and it’s given us a bit more life in the goalie department."
He added: "He’s a good lad – he’s similar to me in a way as we’re both old school and a similar age and have been brought up the same way.
"He’s a great lad and in fantastic shape and I’m looking forward to working with him."
To watch Andy's full post-match interview, please click below.