GARY Madine revealed a surprising change in pre-match diet has fuelled his return to goal-scoring form at Wanderers.

Forget super-foods or supplements, or even his usual plate of pasta – the in-form striker scoffs down a bag of chips the night before every match and says he is now feeling the benefits.

After kicking-off Saturday’s 2-1 win over Norwich City with a well-taken fourth goal of the season, the 27-year-old front man reckons his new spud supper from the Bolton Whites Hotel is working a treat.

“I’d eaten pasta for 10 years the night before a game and, believe it or not, I’d gone into them never feeling great,” he told The Bolton News.

“I spoke to the fitness coach, Nick Allamby, and told him pasta was making me feel lethargic. Now I’m eating potatoes or chips on a Friday night and my sprint stats have doubled over the past six weeks.

“I’d been at Carlisle or Sheffield Wednesday and we started getting chips when we were on away games. The sports scientist there said Manchester United were doing it at the time.

“I’m not saying I eat chips every single day – but it has given me the energy as the pasta hadn’t been doing it.

“It’s all about maturing, learning what your body likes.”

Phil Parkinson credits Madine with settling down off the pitch, too.

The Gateshead-born striker dealt with plenty of negative publicity in his early career after his behaviour strayed but has since tried to change his ways and become a better professional.

“I am not this big bad lad lout that people perceive me as,” he said. “That’s just away from football when I’ve had a beer in us!

“At the football club I am not a problem for anyone. I come in and work as hard as anyone. When we get on that pitch I want to win.

“That’s the world we live in. There’s too much said on social media. You have to remember a lot of bad things are about jealously. My family, and the people around me, the gaffer they know me. You guys can tell I am not a bad lad. I can be, but most of the time I am down to earth.”

Madine also turned provider for Adam Armstrong’s first league goal for Wanderers, just before half time.

“I am pleased for him,” he said. “When I can do the dirty stuff and set people up it brings a great pleasure to me. I loved seeing Adam score today. If you watch the celebration he gave us the biggest cuddle ever! So I’ll take a kick for a cuddle.”