PHIL Parkinson reckons Wanderers new boy Jem Karacan will be itching to prove himself in the English game once again.

The midfielder is expected to sign a 12 month deal at the Macron Stadium today with the option of a second year extension.

Parkinson was impressed with what Karacan brought to his side in a short burst at the end of last season’s promotion push and expects more of the same when he returns for the Whites in the Championship.

The 28-year-old has already gained considerable experience of the second tier with Reading but is keen to rebuild his career after a disappointing spell in Turkey.

“We are really pleased to have got Jem on board,” he told the club. “He’s a player with a point to prove especially as he had been away from the English scene for quite a while.

“During the time he was with us last season he proved himself and was a real asset to the team.

“He’s exactly the type of character we want and he has a great hunger and desire to do well.”

Karacan spent two years with Galatasaray but despite playing Champions League football and winning a Turkish Super Cup he did not get the regular football he craved.

The former Royals man mutually terminated his contract to try and engineer a move back to England and had been on trial with Norwich City until Wanderers offered him an opportunity to link-up with ex-Royals team-mate Adam Le Fondre.

Karacan passed a medical on Monday and was finalising details of his contract yesterday. It is expected he will be confirmed as Parkinson’s first summer signing at some stage this morning.

“I am really delighted to be back in English football with Bolton Wanderers,” Karacan said ahead of the move.

“I really enjoyed my spell at the club the season just gone especially as we won promotion back to the Championship.

“It’s a great club to be at and I’m looking forward to continuing working with Phil Parkinson and the lads.”

Wanderers won all five games in which Karacan featured last season, scoring 17 goals. He also scored a crucial strike against Peterborough on the last day to help secure promotion.