MARTIN Petrov is sure the icy weather will not put the skids under Wanderers’ fine start to the season.

Despite slipping to a 1-0 defeat against Sunderland on Saturday, the Bulgaria international is confident that the buoyant team spirit within Owen Coyle’s squad will ensure that the Whites bounce back against West Brom on Boxing Day.

Petrov is not dreaming of Europe just yet but he insists a top six place is achievable if the players can keep their focus.

“We must concentrate because nothing is finished,” he said. “We have 20 games left yet. But if we carry on going like this we will be okay.

“It’s too early to start talking about Europe. But no one expected Bolton to be in seventh place at Christmas.

“We must concentrate for every game. All we are thinking about is the next match against West Brom; not towards Chelsea or Liverpool.

“When we work like this, game to game, then we will do well.

“We don’t have many big star names like other teams who spend too much money.

“We have one team, one family. It’s hard, of course, but we are a team and that is the important thing.”

Petrov left his trademark snood in the dressing room at the Stadium of Light but it might well make a welcome re-appearance against the Baggies in five day’s time.

Despite getting stick from his team-mates over his flashy attire, the experienced winger is dead serious about the need to prepare properly for games, with the wintry weather making muscle injuries more likely.

“I played in Bulgaria with temperatures at minus 20 and with one metre of snow,” he said. “Nobody is happy if it’s cold and snowy but there is nothing we can do.

“If you don't warm up properly before the game then you might struggle at the start. Maybe you concede three goals in the first 45 minutes and game is finished.

“It is especially important for me with my knee problems. Before every game I do 30-40 minutes exercise for my knee and muscle.

“Other players have problems with their backs or ankles, it is normal. We are professionals.

“If you want to stay uninjured and play 40-45 games then you must do things properly.

“I know my body and I am not young like some of my team mates, I must be professional if I want to play for a long time in my career.”

Having played in Spain for Atletico Madrid, Germany for Wolfsburg and Switzerland for Servette, Petrov admits he prefers the winter break adopted in other European competitions.

But, now in his fourth season in the Premier League, he is prepared for the fixtures to come thick and fast.

“We have three games in a week after Christmas Day so it will be busy for us,” he said.

“Only in England does this happen. We had a winter break in Spain.

“When I first came to City the Christmas period was difficult for me because I played all the games.

“But every game is different. So, it's okay. And if you are not injured, then it's fine.

“The table looks good for us now and it could look even better after these next games.

“But we have some difficult matches coming up.”

After a frustrating spell at Manchester City, Petrov arrived at the Reebok on a free transfer in the summer hoping for more regular first team football.

And in doing so, he has been pleasantly surprised to be involved in another battle for European football.

“Before the start of the season I told you I came here to play good football, help Bolton to finish in high position,” he said.

“I hope we stay here until the end of the season. No one expected Bolton to be in seventh position with all these points.

“But if you play like team then we win the games.”