THOUGH there are still gaps to be filled in Wanderers’ squad for the impending kick-off, Ben Alnwick expects everyone to face a fierce fight for places in the team.

The off-season has been far from straightforward at the club he has called home for the last two seasons.

But Alnwick, one of the senior members of Phil Parkinson’s squad, says the summer overhaul will mean they are better equipped for the Championship season.

“The gaffer always seems to get it right with the character of the players he brings in,” the keeper told The Bolton News.

“They are good lads, they are made to feel welcome and that’s important.

“It’s been a slow process getting these players he’s targeted but he keeps pulling some gems out, he’s obviously got an eye for a player.

“Us players are really kept in the dark about other lads who might be coming in but it’s probably better that way, we can just concentrate on our work and what we need to do.

“I know Erhun [Oztumer] from being at Peterborough so I know what he’s all about.

“I’m excited to see him here now, I think he’ll fit in well and he’ll definitely improve us.”

The Whites have recruited methodically but, it seems, well, given the quality of imports at the Macron, not least in the case of their latest loan signing, Norwich winger Yanic Wildschut.

And, though we was voted player of the season a few months ago, Alnwick knows no one’s place in the starting XI is guaranteed.

“They’re probably looking to bring someone in,” he added. “Me and Mark Howard [who has rejoined Blackpool] had a good working relationship and Jake Turner is a really good young prospect.

“There have been a couple of other lads here too, working with us and Butts [goalkeeping coach Lee Butler] who looked really good so I won’t get ideas above my station or take anything for granted.

“When you go to a new club you’re desperate to improve and get in the team and anyone who does come here will be no different so I’ll have to keep on my toes.

“We’ve got a good group here, the way we stuck together over the last two seasons to achieve what we did was great but we need to build now.

“We should be able to hit the ground running, I think it’s now time we started looking up. The issues at the club have been put to bed and we’re all looking forward.

“The gaffer has always tried to keep any off-field things away from the players and that’s what has happened.

“We’ve come through a lot as a group and time and time again it has brought us closer together. The more we go through the stronger we get.”

n The Whites are expected to give a run-out to former Manchester City midfielder Stephen Ireland in this afternoon’s friendly against Girona at Leyland.

Wanderers had hoped to bring in the Irish international earlier in the off-season after his release from relegated Stoke this summer.