ETHAN Hamilton believes his relegation scrap with Southend United ensures he walks into Wanderers with eyes wide open.

The Manchester United midfielder begins his loan spell with Bolton with a trip to another former club, Rochdale, tomorrow.

He spent the first half of this season at Roots Hall, in what became a troubled environment, but says the prospect of fighting at the foot of the table with Keith Hill’s side does not concern him at all.

“I enjoyed it (at Southend) even though there were some testing times,” he told the club. “I will take a lot from that experience and I’m sure it will make me a better player and a better person, going forward.

“I think you can either shrink and go inside yourself in that sort of situation or stand up to it, embrace the challenge and look forward to the games.

“You have got to have a positive attitude and try to do the best you can.”

Hamilton’s first break in senior football actually came on loan at Spotland under Keith Hill last season and the Scottish youngster is looking forward to working with him once more.

“It was my first experience of men’s football in League One and he was brilliant, for me, and I think he can help to get the best out of me,” he added.