EMERSON Thome put almost two years of frustration behind him today and spoke of his twin ambitions - to steer Wanderers to Premiership security and extend his career by as much as six more years.

Nicknamed The Wall, the Brazilian centre-back has what it takes to achieve his first objective but at 31 he might be being a touch optimistic with his second.

But he is a determined man and sees no reason, having made such an impressive start when he helped his new team-mates claim their first shut-out of the season against Charlton a fortnight ago, why he should not press on.

The fact that he only signed a one-year contract when he joined Wanderers after being freed by cash-strapped Sunderland is no reflection on his commitment to the Reebok cause - just an indication that, after recent events, this is a man determined to take one step at a time.

"It's been a good start for me and I'm looking forward to continuing in the same vein," Thome said as he relaxed after a soothing massage ahead of tomorrow's clash with Middlesbrough.

"Then I will think about my ambitions with the club. The important thing first is to keep this club in the safe zone in the Premier League, to make it a club people recognise as strong in the Premier League. I want to help give the club a boost and if things work out as I expect them to, I hope I can stay.

"I want to play another four, five, even six more years .. . as long as I can."

Not bad for a player who, for almost two seasons, had such a worrying time with his knee that he was eventually flown to the United States ski resort of Vail in Colorado to be checked out by the world famous surgeon Richard Steadman.

"He is the doctor for the miracles," Thome said of the man who did cruciate ligament repairs on Ricardo Gardner and Jussi Jaaskelainen and had them playing again in double-quick time.

Fortunately, no "miracle" was required on this occasion. The diagnosis was nothing more than a torn cartilage, leaving Thome relieved and keen to explain to any doubters that, although lingering and worrying, his injury was never a serious one.

"So this is not a question of reviving my career," he insists. "I know I need to get games under my belt again and I'm delighted Bolton have given me the chance. But I believe in my ability as a player and in my character as a person. Now I just have to commit myself."