WANDERERS’ Mark One passed another test with flying colours at MK in midweek – but Ian Evatt knows there are bigger challenges ahead for his ever-changing line-up.

Elias Kachunga aside, Bolton used the same blueprint against the Dons which had succeeded against Charlton Athletic 10 days earlier, with George Thomason and MJ Williams anchoring a midfield which coped well with questions asked by a possession-based opponent.

Saturday’s team against Peterborough United will almost certainly be different, such is Evatt’s steadfast belief that he can tailor his squad to suit these days.

A good hour after the final whistle sounded on Tuesday night, the Bolton boss was keen to underline that his whole squad would be tested down the line.

“The away games this season aren't all going to be like this,” he said. “It kind of suits us and how we are. A lovely big stadium, big pitch, they bring out the best of our out of possession work with the way they play.

“It is the backs to the wall, defending long balls, set plays type of game that is going to be our challenge but we’re looking forward to that challenge.

“We think we have improved on that aspect but only time will tell.”

Young midfielder George Thomason has shone in his ‘specialist’ role over the last couple of games but, looking ahead, Evatt knows he may soon have to call on a different brand of midfielder to tackle a different problem.

“George is a really good young player,” he said. “I trust him and I think the world of him, as I do them all.

“Aaron Morley is the same age and it is the same thing. We are very fortunate to have wonderful midfield players with Josh Sheehan returning as well now.

“George and MJ (Williams) work well together. But it is horses for courses and different personnel give us different things.

“We felt like it was a similar game to Charlton, so those three (with Kieran Lee) work really well in that man-for-man pressing midfield.

“We have a good squad, and we just need to keep them all bought in to what we are trying to do. I think if they do, we can have a good season, but there’s a long way to go.”

Evatt had challenged his side to be in the top 10 at the start of September – and victory against MK Dons means that unless there is a big goal swing this weekend against Peterborough, they will have achieved their aim.

“Yes, but it means nothing in September,” Evatt added. “We are not really looking at divisions right now, we are just looking at the next game, the next opportunity, it’s that next game mentality.

“The boys are really focussed. The message between themselves on the pitch tonight with the crowd, you could hear them demanding more of each other but in the right way with people accepting it in the right way, and that’s really pleasing because I don’t think that’s always been the case for us.

“Big characters leading by example. Today I thought we did that and there was a steely determination about us tonight and I liked what I saw.”