GARY Madine has impressed Phil Parkinson before even kicking a ball this season.

Three weeks remain until Wanderers return for pre-season but the striker has already got himself in his manager’s good books.

Madine signed a new two-year deal last week and also underwent a scheduled fitness test to monitor his condition in the off-season.

Delighted by the results, Parkinson believes the 26-year-old is in the right frame of mind to make a successful return to the Championship and a full recovery from the shoulder problem which hampered him last term.

“We had a really good chat at the end of the season about what he needed to do next season for us, improving his game, improving his fitness levels,” the Wanderers boss told The Bolton News.

“He has already been in for some testing with Nick Allamby and he is well ahead of where he was at this stage last season.

“That’s a great sign. I’m pleased with Gaz because I think he can push on again this season and be a really important player for us.

“I think he has matured after last year, everything that has happened since he signed for the club.

“I’m looking forward to seeing what he can do again.”

Wanderers are hoping to finalise the final two games of their summer schedule next week, and Parkinson is happy with how the pre-season is shaping up.

“All pre-season is about progression,” he said. “You want progression in your players’ fitness and also in the quality of the opponents you face.

“I’m pleased with what we have got in place, starting with Chorley and then building up towards the Stoke City game which will obviously be a big test.”

Meanwhile, Wanderers have checked on promising Partick Thistle defender Liam Lindsay, who is also reported to be a target for Charlton Athletic.

The Whites chief scout Tim Breacker watched the 21-year-old defender last season but it is understood no approach has been made and would depend on the club coming out of embargo.