WANDERERS missed out on adding another attacking player to their ranks on deadline day – but Ian Evatt insists it won’t be the end of the world.

The Bolton boss says he was close to bringing in another versatile forward player and was only informed he had failed in his pursuit at the final whistle of last night’s 3-2 win against Port Vale in the Papa John’s Trophy.

Portsmouth’s Ellis Harrison was strongly linked with a move to the UniBol – but The Bolton News understands he was not Evatt’s first choice.

“I spoke about us highlighting somebody and working really hard to make it happen but unfortunately it doesn’t look like it will,” he said.

“We tried our very best but sometimes you are in the lap of the gods with the other clubs. If we are getting stronger from other League One clubs then people are worried about that.

“It hasn’t happened but it isn’t for the want of trying.

“We are never going to panic sign. We are picky with our signings and we do a lot of due diligence. If we don’t get the right ones then we are willing to wait.

“Yes, this window hasn’t ended well for us but we are happy with what we have got.

“We are more than happy with what we have.”

Ali Crawford was loaned out to Scottish Premiership side St Johnstone but Brandon Comley will remain with the club until January after a move to League Two Leyton Orient fell through.

Evatt was pleased with the performance against Vale, having watched his side go ahead through Eoin Doyle but then fall 2-1 behind. Second-half goals from Nathan Delfouneso and Dapo Afolayan ensured a winning start to the competition.

“They are a good team and they are always difficult to play against, they are aggressive, they are physical and you have to stand up to it,” he said. “They make sure you are at it.

“I think we started the game really well in the first 20 minutes but then we lost a bit of confidence and belief. We somehow found ourselves behind.

“Second half we were a lot better. We were more aggressive, on the front foot, and the two goals were as good as you could wish to see.”

Delfouneso’s first goal since March was a boost for the 30-year-old striker, who had endured a dip in form in recent months.

After making eight changes to his side, Evatt was pleased with the night’s work on the pitch.

“Nathan was really hurt following the penalty miss at Wigan,” he said.

“Everyone rallied around him and today he put in a performance and got a goal.

“We need to keep as many of them up to speed as we can. You get injuries all the time in football and the ones who are waiting in the wings need to be fit enough to do themselves justice when they play. These games are important for that.

“It wasn’t just about minutes in the legs, we wanted to be competitive because we have a six day break and we could afford to play a stronger team.”