STEVE Parkin says keeping Wanderers in the Championship would rank as one of the biggest achievements of his footballing career.

Survival remains an achievable aim, according to the Whites assistant, especially after Tuesday's victory over Sunderland took them three places clear of the drop-zone.

Parkin has been in football for the last 35 years as player and manager – captaining his country at Under-21 level – but he says the prospect of keeping Bolton up against the odds with Phil Parkinson could top the lot.

“I have worked in every level of football, quite a few clubs now, and for the last seven or eight years with Phil – and it would really be a major achievement to keep Bolton in this division,” he told The Bolton News.

“I am up for it, we as a staff are up for it and we love the experience of being in the Championship. We are hungry for more.

“To achieve it here, with all we’ve been through, would be something very special.”

Wanderers remain the only club in the Championship who went through both transfer windows without spending a penny on transfers, and have not paid cash for a player in more than three years,

Top scorer Gary Madine was also sold for £6million to Cardiff City on transfer deadline day – without a direct replacement – stacking the odds further on staying up.

Closing in on two years at the Macron, a spell which has seen its fair share of boardroom uncertainty and financial problems, Parkin feels the club would be able to build next season if they can get over the finishing line.

“We’d like to think so,” he said. “There will be a group of players who’ve been through a tough old season, experienced it and will be better for it.

“There is no doubt in my mind this is one of the toughest divisions in the world.

“Between the international breaks the games are relentless. You don’t have time to think about what you are doing and plan too much for what is ahead.

“It’s a real physical and mental test.”