New recruit Luke Mbete is looking to make the most of his time at Wanderers and help Ian Evatt’s men keep challenging on two fronts.
Mbete became Wanderers’ sixth and final signing of a successful January transfer window when he joined the Whites on loan from Premier League champions Manchester City for the rest of the season.
The England Under-21 defender ended a similar spell at Huddersfield Town – where he made half-a-dozen Championship appearances – to link up with Wanderers for the final few months of the campaign.
And with Evatt’s side currently occupying a play-off place in League One and looking forward to a Papa Johns Trophy semi-final at Accrington Stanley in three weeks’ time, Mbete is delighted to be on board.
“I think it’s an important move for me. I’ve come here to develop and enjoy my football. I just hope we continue moving forward in a positive way,” he said.
“Now’s a fresh start and different targets and I’m excited to try and achieve them.
“Man City have played a massive part in my journey so far. I made a couple of debuts (in different competitions) there which I’m delighted to have made.
“But the next step is with Bolton and I feel like this is the best step for me right now.
“It’s a very good time to be here. We’ve got a semi-final soon and fighting for promotion.”
Mbete will be eligible for the Papa Johns Trophy tie at Accrington on 22 February with his previous appearances in the competition for City coming before this season.
The 19-year-old central defender has also had a taste of the Champions League, FA Cup and League Cup since progressing through the later stages of the Academy ranks at the Etihad Stadium.
And he now gets the chance to link up again with City team-mate James Trafford and England age-group colleague Shola Shoretire as another of the exciting young talents currently playing key roles in the Wanderers’ squad.
“I’ve known Traff for a long time. We have always had a good connection and it will be good to play with him again,” added Mbete after completing his deadline-day move to the University of Bolton Stadium.
“I’ve played against Shola (at Manchester United) and been together at England camps, so we know each other really well.
“It’s always nice to know people before you come and see some familiar faces.
“But with the team we’ve got here I feel like they’ve welcomed me really well and I’m excited to play with them and push forward.”