Defender speaks to the club website following the conclusion of Bolton's pre-season campaign
Dorian Dervite believes that Wanderers’ final pre-season clash against Charlton Athletic on Friday evening will stand the team in good stead ahead of their season opener against Derby next weekend.
Darren Pratley and Liam Feeney had put the Whites ahead twice at Macron Stadium, only for a Tony Watt double to earn the Addicks a share of the spoils.
And speaking following the final whistle against his former employers, the French defender explained that although disappointed that they couldn't hold out for the win, the side were ultimately pleased with their efforts against the Londoners.
“It was a good exercise for us," he said. "In the first half, Charlton played very well, but in the second half I think we had the better of them.
“Overall, it was a good game and a good workout.”
He continued: “It’s always nice to see old friends from Charlton and the staff as well – it’s a good club with nice people.
“It was really nice to be back at Macron Stadium too – it’s been a few months since we were last here, but it is a great stadium to play at and the pitch is perfect to play on which always helps.
“Hopefully during the season we will get many wins here!”
Coming close to opening his account for the club in the second half of the clash, forcing Charlton goalkeeper Nick Pope into a smart save to deny him his first goal in Bolton colours, Dervite hopes that he can break his goalscoring duck for the Whites this term.
“I do need to score my first goal for Bolton soon – it’s been too long since I last scored,” he admitted. “Firstly though, my job is to defend – after that, if I feel confident enough, hopefully I can get forward and find the back of the net.
“Maybe a header or a shot – who knows? We will see, but firstly I’ll focus on my job in defence.
“Now though, we’re all looking forward to the Derby game. We’ve worked very hard in training and in Austria, so everyone is feeling fit and we can’t wait to get started.”