WANDERERS passed on a chance to sign Cambridge United hitman Paul Mullin this summer – but Ian Evatt says he wouldn’t swap his own frontmen for any in League Two.

The former Morecambe striker this week became the first player at this level to reach double figures with a hat-trick against Port Vale.

And though Evatt will be treating the in-form 25-year-old with due respect when the two sides meet at the Abbey Stadium this afternoon, he does not regret turning down an opportunity to sign him as a free agent a few months ago.

Mullin spent a short spell on loan at Cambridge at the start of the year before being released at Tranmere, and it is understood he was looking for options in the North West before accepting Cambridge’s offer of a permanent move.

The league leaders have won five of their first seven games, with Mullin netting 10 times.

“Respectfully he’s doing great – he’s started the season on fire, as have Cambridge,” Evatt told The Bolton News.

“They have also got Wes Hoolahan as well, who I know well, some good players.

“But we have to concentrate on ourselves, try and take the game to them, and I wouldn’t swap my own strikers for anybody.

“I am seeing Doyler start to settle now. He’s come out of his shell, he is being a leader, he is starting to create chances as well.

“His goal on Tuesday night was a typical Eoin Doyle goal, middle of the penalty box and clinical finish, thanks very much. We have to get the ball to him so he can do it again on Saturday.”