Ricardo Santos reckons Wanderers have learned a lot from their 4-1 defeat against Aston Villa in the Carabao Cup.

The Whites went in front through Dion Charles but the Premier League side seized control thanks to goals from Douglas Luiz, Danny Ings, Lucas Digne and Leon Bailey.

Steven Gerrard fielded a strong line-up for the fixture and Santos admits he was surprised when he was the teamsheet.

But the centre-back is confident that the squad will benefit from the experience over the coming weeks and months as they bid to climb the League One table.

“I had to go in with the referee and the other skipper, and when I saw the teamsheet I was surprised,” said the Bolton skipper.

“I thought they would play some kids and stuff, but they were a full team and it just shows the respect that they gave us.

“It was an enjoyable game until about the 70th minute when they started taking over. You learn from those games and you don’t really play many games like that.

“We took a lot from it. Even though we lost, first half I think we were probably the better side. We were unlucky to concede that corner.

“Maybe if we didn’t concede that, the second half could have been different. But it is what it is. It was enjoyable and we are in good spirits about it.”

Santos impressed against Villa – a strong reaction to his error in the 2-0 loss against Sheffield Wednesday just days prior.

The 27-year-old says it is important not to dwell on mistakes and tries to stay “strong mentally” in such times.

He added: “Personally, I haven’t seen anything. I try to stay away from social media.

“I have got someone running it for me actually. I just try to focus on the game and me playing really.

“It is hard to not look, it is always there so it is hard. But you have just got to stay strong mentally and just think about the next game.

“Everyone makes mistakes, it happens. You have just got to carry on.”

Wanderers head to Plymouth Argyle on Saturday afternoon, which is hardly the long journey they would want after two big home fixtures.

But the club opted to split the journey into two parts, including a training session in Bristol, to reduce the impact on the players.

When asked about the challenges of such away games, Santos explained: “To be fair, we have got a new coach now so it is actually alright now. There is a lot more space.

“But it is going to be a long journey and we are preparing well. We are traveling early so we get enough rest.

“The gaffer and the club is big on making sure the players are alright and giving what the players need to prepare for games. It is great to be in this camp.”