WANDERERS’ rich history of Icelandic stars helped convince Jon Dadi Bodvarsson that the UniBol was the right place for his next career move.

The 29-year-old has signed an 18 month deal with Bolton to follow in the footsteps of countrymen Eidur Gudjohnsen, Gudni Bergsson, Gretar Steinsson and Arnar Gunlaugsson.

Bodvarsson will go straight into the squad to face Shrewsbury Town on Saturday after tearing up a lucrative contract at Millwall to drop into League One.

And Ian Evatt admits the club’s links with the striker’s footballing heroes played a big part in bringing him to the UniBol.

“We have worked extremely hard to make it happen,” Evatt said of the deal. “Jon has bought in to the project, bought into the club and what we’re trying to do.

“The history of the club has helped us with this one, the amount of Icelandic players we have had here in the past, Jon watched a lot of Bolton growing up.

“He was almost a fan so it’s great to have him on board and add some more strength to our squad.”

Bodvarsson will be available for Saturday but Evatt admits he may take some time to get up to full match fitness having only started one game for Millwall this season.

The former Wolves and Reading front man was playing for his country as recently as last week but Wanderers are keen not to risk any injury issues by playing him from the start at Shrewsbury.

“Jon is a player that hasn’t played a lot this season,” Evatt said. “He has been out of favour at Millwall but has played international football.

“Similar to Dion (Charles) really, we have to be cautious with building him up and taking our time with him.

“But we have signed him with the future in mind, so yes, he will have an impact immediately but we will also take our time with him and get him fully up to speed before we take any risks.”

Wanderers are now well stocked up front with Bodvarsson joining Charles, Amadou Bakayoko and Dapo Afolayan as central options, alongside wider players like Xavier Amaechi and, once fit, Lloyd Isgrove and Elias Kachunga.

“I’m really pleased,” Evatt said. “It has taken some hard work from many people. But Jon has come here for the right reasons.

“He brings a lot of experience, a lot of good qualities to this team and we’re excited to have him. He’s another piece of the jigsaw.”