Ian Evatt believes Lloyd Isgrove will soon be back to his best with Wanderers.

The 29-year-old utility man has been out of action for nearly 10 months having twice torn his hamstring.

Isgrove’s last game for Bolton was the 3-0 win against Doncaster Rovers in November last year, after which he battled back to play for the reserves against Fleetwood only to suffer the same injury.

Now back in training, the former Southampton man is close to a first team return once again, and Evatt feels his versatility could make him an important player in the squad.

“Lloyd’s a brilliant person and he’s nuts,” said the Bolton boss. “He is bonkers, he really is, but the lads love him, we love him.

“He is great around the changing room, regardless of his personal situation. He has been through a rough time but that’s football and it’s how you overcome adversity which really defines you as a person and I think Lloyd will do that and he’ll be back to his best hopefully soon.

“He is a credit to be around. I think he can make a really good wing-back, the way our wing-backs play and how we want them to play. But first and foremost we need to get him fully fit again and firing and ready to go.”

Isgrove has been suffering recently with plantar fasciitis, which interrupted plans for him to play in the Papa Johns Trophy against Crewe last month alongside Josh Sheehan, who has also come back from long term injury.

Wanderers face Tranmere in the same competition next week, with Isgrove again hoping to make the squad.

Jon Dadi Bodvarsson has not featured for the Whites since coming off the bench in the 2-0 defeat against Sheffield Wednesday three weeks ago – but the Icelander will return to the training ground this morning ready to challenge for a place in the squad.

Iceland play against Albania in the Nations League on September 27 but Evatt says he will leave the experienced striker to decide whether he joins up with his international team-mates or stays at Lostock.

“I trust Jon so whatever he decides is the best for him, then we’ll back him,” Evatt added.