DENNIS Politic is too important a player to risk unnecessarily between now and the end of the season, according to Wanderers boss Ian Evatt.

The 21-year-old winger was expected to have a big impact in League Two this campaign but suffered a serious knee injury in pre-season.

Politic tore his anterior cruciate ligament in a friendly at Loughborough University with the Whites ruling out their rising star for the campaign back in August.

He is now back in first-team training, but that does not mean a return to match action is imminent.

Asked about the chance of Politic featuring in the final two games, Evatt said: “Absolutely not. He is too much of a precious asset to risk.

“He doesn’t need it, he is enjoying training, enjoying being part of the group again and that’s great to see, a smile on his face.

“He is a big character and the lads really like him so it is great to have him back involved.”

Politic will instead be given the summer to get himself ready, Evatt having been extremely impressed with the wide man’s application to his injury rehab.

While the Bolton boss’ initial preference for three at the back may have been an issue for Politic, the successful shift to a flat back four and two wingers appears to give him a real chance of being a key man next season.

“Dennis is one of the most hard-working young professionals I have ever come across,” Evatt said. “He is so dedicated to the sport we have to physically drag him out of the gym or off the training ground.

“All he wants to do is improve and that is a great thing to have as a young player.

“In this system we have moved to, the 4-2-3-1, it really would suit him for many reasons.

“He is excited, we are excited to have him back, but there is extreme caution because we want to make sure he stays in one piece.”

Evatt would not be drawn into the hypothetical of what kind of impact Politic could have had in the League Two promotion race, instead focusing on what development he has seen from a top prospect who is under contract at the University of Bolton Stadium until the summer of 2022.

“It’s challenging to make that comment, but he’s a talented player no two ways about it,” he said when asked what part his winger could have played.

“We saw the talent early in pre-season and unfortunately he got the injury and has missed the season.

“During that time I think he has learned a lot about culture, character, mentality – individually and as a group.

“We are looking forward to having him next season but for now to see him training with a smile on his face is great.

“Playing daily is what he does, what he loves.”

HEAR Ian Evatt discussing Dennis Politic’s future and return to fitness by pressing the play button.