IAN Evatt believes ‘hybrid’ wing-back Liam Gordon could end up being a fine bit of business for Wanderers.

The Guyana international was snapped up on a free transfer from Dagenham and Redbridge last week and made a good impression on his first outing in Bolton’s 3-0 victory at Atherton Colls.

Gordon came to Evatt’s attention playing in the National League last season and fit into the data-driven recruitment model which has been drafted in this summer.

“Liam is very quick, athletic, has high energy and a lovely left foot,” the head coach told The Bolton News. “He has a good change of pace and he’s also technically very good.

“He’s a young player with loads of improvement ahead of him. He wants to learn and I think he can be a big asset for the football club.”

Evatt’s tactical plan has yet to be completely unfurled at Wanderers, with further signings to be made and shape work to be completed on the training ground over the next five weeks.

The two wing backs proved crucial positions for him at Barrow last season, however, and Gordon could soon be joined on the opposite flank by ex-Everton man, Gethin Jones.

“They are more like attackers – I call them hybrids, they are as much wingers as they are defenders,” Evatt explained of his wing-backs.

“They need to be able to attack and also have some defensive responsibility as well.

“We have been very specific with recruitment in that area and Liam definitely fits the bill.”

Evatt has made fitness one of his top priorities on the training ground and has been encouraged by the response of the players over the first couple of weeks.

“I think they are realising it will be hard work to be good with the ball, so yes it will be tough, but we have six weeks now to get them to where they need to be.

“The way they have worked has been incredible, really. I think they have bought into what we are doing and enjoying what we are doing.

“They will get the reward for that when they step on to a pitch on a Saturday.”