WANDERERS are ready to pitch new boys Kieran Lee and Declan John straight into battle against Exeter City.

Ian Evatt was banking on adding some quality to his squad during a 10-day break in league fixtures and, after completing the loan signing of Welsh full-back John, he also sealed an 18-month deal for former Manchester United midfielder Lee.

Both players are thought to be fit enough to pitch them into tomorrow night’s game at St James Park, where hosts Exeter are looking to respond to their FA Cup third round exit to Lee’s previous club, Sheffield Wednesday.

Wanderers will be without two un-named squad members, who will complete their self-isolation after a positive test for coronavirus, and the suspended Reiss Greenidge.

But with Peter Kioso back from suspension, Bolton are well-placed to begin a push in the second half of the campaign that they hope will end in promotion to League One.

“You have just got to look around the place and the potential to go back up is massive,” said Lee, who has trained at Bolton for the last few weeks. “This is a club that wants to be higher, so I am coming here to do my best to get promotion.

Lee’s last competitive game was on July 22 for Wednesday in a 2-1 home defeat against Middlesbrough – one of 30 he played for the Owls that season.

Despite the considerable wait for a return to action, the 32-year-old has done enough to convince Wanderers he could make an immediate impact, offering the benefit of his experience in the middle of the park.

“I feel really fit,” he said. “I haven’t played for a long time, so when that comes it might take me a little bit to get into it. But training-wise and fitness-wise I feel as good as I ever have, really.

“When the games come or when I am needed, I’m ready to play whenever.”

Lee completed his move on Friday after spending a few weeks with the squad proving his fitness.

The midfielder has had injury issues in the past, including surgeries on his hip, but says he is ready to prove his fitness at the UniBol now that he can resume his career in League Two.

“I like to try and get up and down, it’s standard to work hard and I’ll always do that,” he said.

“I’ve been training with the club for a few weeks and it was just down to getting things sorted out, and I’m delighted it has done now.

“I’ve really enjoyed it. It has been good to get back playing after not really doing for a while, everyone has made me feel comfortable and made sure I enjoyed it. I just want to get back to playing the games.”