IAN Evatt says there has been a “significant shift” in the number of Wanderers players wanting to have a Covid-19 vaccine.

The Whites have been hit hard by the virus, with fourteen players and four members of staff, including Evatt, testing positive.

The outbreak caused Wanderers' Boxing Day clash with Morecambe to be postponed, while the club has had to close its Lostock Training Ground until Monday, December 27.

“We have been vocal since day one about it, but obviously it’s a personal choice,” said the Bolton boss.

“I’ll use Morecambe as a prime example – I think their whole squad is double vaccinated and they haven’t had one case. Is that a coincidence? Possibly.

“But as I’ve said before, we’ve got people who are double vaccinated – in my situation double vaccinated and boosted – who have still got it.

“So it doesn’t necessarily mean you’re safe from it, it just might limit the symptoms.”

Earlier this week, the EFL revealed that a quarter of players “do not intend to get a vaccine” and said 31 per cent were yet to have their first dose as of last month.

While Evatt is pleased that some of his players have now changed their mind about having a vaccine, he admits it feels like they are “racing against the clock”.

“In terms of vaccine uptake, I’d want it to be better initially of course,” he added.

“I think what has happened, especially in the last few months - whether it’s come from a family member or it’s them having the illness - there has been a change and shift in dynamic in terms of players wanting the vaccine now.

“The problem with that is that it takes time between vaccines, so we’re kind of racing against the clock.

“Some lads who weren’t vaccinated in the summer are now only on one vaccine, and they are waiting for the second one because there has to be a time lag between the two.

“We’re kind of going through that rough period as well as trying to manage the illness inside the camp as well.

“It’s tough, it’s challenging. But what I will say now is there seems to be a significant shift in our group in terms of wanting to be vaccinated.”