Sammy Ameobi has QPR in his sights after Bolton Wanderers kick-start their season with Sheffield Wednesday win

After ridding themselves of the stigma of a winless start to the season, Phil Parkinson’s side can now start looking up in the table.

The Whites remain six points adrift of safety but Ameobi - now back from a knee injury - reckons an important first step was taken at the weekend.

“It has gradually been building,” he told The Bolton News. “But to actually get that result was massive. So now we have to put another win alongside it on Saturday.

“That’s the aim - we want another three points and to get out of the relegation zone down the line. I think we have the squad and the quality to do so.

“It’s a case of preparing properly this week and work as hard as we can for QPR.”

Fears that Ameobi had picked up an injury in a challenge with Wednesday’s Jack Hunt were calmed after the game, although the winger admits he is still some way from 100 per cent.

“I feel better than I thought I would,” he said. “I know that I need to work harder and get fitter – my aim now is to get through the whole 90 minutes.”

Asked where he needed to improve, the winger replied: “Just being able to focus – sometimes when I’m tired there’s a lack of concentration and that’s something I’m trying to work out in my game and cut out.”

Parkinson feels he can get more out of the former Newcastle United man, just as he did in a successful loan spell at the start of last season.

“He’s got work to do because he was shattered, and he started the second half slowly,” he said. “That’s something he’s got to look at.

“He was consistent in his first spell up to January even though he started slowly. I think we got him to a really good level.

“At Aston Villa I thought he did a great job for the team, especially considering it was his first game back from injury. We just have to keep reminding him of what his responsibilities are without the ball because when he’s on it he gives the opposition a lot to think about.”