Ian Evatt says new recruit Dan Nlundulu is raring to go after a striking re-shuffle among the Whites.
Nlundulu is available for a possible debut against Portsmouth on Saturday after being cup-tie for Wanderers’ mid-week Papa Johns Trophy win over Pompey.
And after already chalking up 22 starts in League One this season with Cheltenham Town, the on-loan Southampton frontman - who will wear squad number 11- is primed for action after Wanderers allowed Amadou Bakayoko to secure a move to Forest Green Rovers.
“Dan has settled in really well. The way he’s integrated into the group has been fantastic,” said Whites’ boss Evatt, whose side will be looking for a quick home double over Portsmouth to extend their unbeaten five-game run in League One.
“You can see he’s been playing regular football. I think match sharpness is key and he’s already there.
“He’s played a lot of games already this season at this level and knows what the level’s all about so he’s ready to go.
“There will be no time needed for him to hit the ground running. He’s raring to go and we’re looking forward to working with him.”
While Nlundulu prepares to join the match-day squad for the first time, Bakayoko ended his 18-month stay with Wanderers with a move to Forest Green.
The 27-year-old joins the League One side for an undisclosed fee with a warm endorsement from Evatt for his contribution in a Wanderers’ shirt, which saw him score 13 times last season and four more this in all competitions.
“Amadou has been a pleasure to work with, a really good human being, and has been a big part of the last 18 months for us,” added the Whites’ boss.
“He scored some really important goals last season and gave the fan-base some good memories.
“He was out of contract in the summer, somebody met our valuation and he goes there with our best wishes and thanks and gratitude and we wish him all the best.
“Hopefully when he comes back in a couple of weeks’ time (with Forest Green), everyone can show him some gratitude for what’s been done in the last 18 months.”
Wanderers are also set to be without Jack Iredale for the remainder of the campaign with the left-sided defender set to undergo surgery next week to repair a torn lateral knee meniscus.
Iredale’s first season with the Whites has been curtailed but Evatt is looking forward to having the former Cambridge United man back next season.
“Pretty much his season will be over now and we’ll looking forward to welcoming back in pre-season,” said Evatt, who confirmed that midfielder George Thomason is recovering well from a knee injury of his own and hoping to return in early March.
“We’re going to miss him. He’s given us a different dynamic on that left side.
“We’ve solidified that area and become hard to beat and hard to score against and Jack’s been a huge part of that.
“He’ll be sorely missed but we wish him well. He’s a strong character and good character and I’m sure he’ll dedicate himself with his rehabilitation to make sure he comes back stronger than ever.”