Ian Evatt insists Bolton's Lloyd Isgrove can become 'very good right back'

Isgrove is naturally a winger but was used in defence in the 2-2 draw with Gillingham over the weekend.

Evatt was pleased with his performance against the Gills and insists the former Southampton youngster is someone he can rely on.

With Gethin Jones potentially out of action until January due to injury, the Bolton boss is open to the idea of using Isgrove in defence in the coming weeks and months.

“He’s a good player, Lloyd, and he’s a fantastic lad. I asked him to do us a job and he did it to the best of his ability," he said.

“I think he can develop into a very good right-back, by the way.

“Young Harry (Brockbank), sometimes you just need to step out and breathe and let someone else have the pressure. We had two nasty results. 

“It was the same with Liam Gordon, he’s done fantastic, but they’re two young players learning their trade.

“Sometimes you need to just step out, breathe, and let someone else take on that pressure and I thought Lloyd and Declan back today took on that pressure for us in the second half.”

The Bolton boss also praised Joel Dixon, who made a superb double save from Vadaine Oliver to keep his side in the game.

Evatt first worked with the goalkeeper during his time at Barrow and is delighted with how he has continued to develop since making the step up to League One.

“I’m very impressed but I already know about Joel. I had him for two years at Barrow. I know exactly what he’s capable of,” he added.

“What’s really impressed me is it’s a big, big step to come to this football club in League One with our crowds and in big stadia - Sunderland, Sheffield Wednesday - with big attendances, to play and do the things that we want him to do.

“His belief, his confidence, has been first class. It’s a big, big step from Barrow to playing at Bolton in front of thousands and thousands of fans.

“But he’s took it in his stride and I think he’s been a credit to himself and a credit to this football club.”