JACK Iredale takes his first step as a Bolton Wanderers player tonight warning his team-mates: ‘I’m after your shirt!’

The Australian defender is due to play 45 minutes against non-league Longridge Town in the pre-season opener having impressed during the club’s training camp in Portugal.

It remains to be seen where Iredale fits in Ian Evatt’s grand plan – with the 26-year-old able to play as a centre-back, a left wing-back or in holding midfield.

But the former Cambridge United man has made it clear he has come to the UniBol to challenge immediately for a first team spot, wherever that may be on the pitch.

“I’ve come here to play as many games as I possibly can,” he told The Bolton News. “I have set myself that target to be in the team so, for sure, I see myself being able to fit in.

“Watching Gethin Jones when he was playing on the right side of a back three, he still had loads of freedom to get up and down the pitch, so I feel like I can contribute in that manner.

“Between that and left-back, I played the two all last season, so I don’t see why I can’t challenge for a place.

“I like to think I’m versatile. I spent a couple of games last season playing left midfield as well, so anywhere up along that left hand side of the pitch, as long as Rico (Santos) is covering everything for me I should be alright!”

Having more than one string to his bow could come in handy for Iredale as he looks to continue the fine form he showed at the Abbey Stadium last season.

From January 15 onwards, George Johnston and Declan John played 20 of the final 22 games together on the left side of Bolton’s defence.

Iredale admits his preferred choice is as an attacking left-back, having nailed down that position at Cambridge for the majority of his time at the club.

“I grew up playing left wing and then I grew up playing centre-half and then it was only once I came to the UK I started to play left back,” he explained.

“I felt like probably left back was where I was most effective and where I was enjoying being able to contribute going forward as well and I started off the first half of last season there playing left back and enjoying my football.

“With injuries at the club (Cambridge), I moved back into centre half and had to rely on that experience that I had when I was a bit younger. I felt comfortable there as well, so as long as I’m on the pitch, I don’t really care at this stage. Anywhere along the left-hand side of the park I’m comfortable.”

Competition is high in Evatt’s squad, which could add an extra edge to the friendly schedule as players scrap for a starting spot against Ipswich Town at the end of July.

“If your performances drop, someone is going to take your shirt,” Iredale said. “You have always got to be setting yourself high standards and competing with those good players that are around you to first off get yourself in the team, and then to keep yourself in the team.”