Elias Kachunga insists Wanderers “need everyone in the squad” to play a part if they are to achieve their goals.

Competition for places is strong this season and Kachunga knows what it is like to be out of the starting line-up.

But the games are set to come thick and fast in October and Bolton boss Ian Evatt is planning to make the most of his squad depth.

“Everyone should still have anger in them if they are not selected because it can drive you to good performances,” said Kachunga. “But everyone just has to know how to turn this anger into positive energy for the team.

“There will be some games where you are not selected but you have to step back, try to support the team and if you come in, show everyone that maybe the manager was wrong with a good performance.

“Like I said, everyone should want to play. But we have to stick together as a team because if you want to achieve something this season, we need everyone in the squad.

“I know everyone is always saying it but injuries can always come, so we need everyone in the squad to get where we want.”

Kachunga – who has previously had spells with Huddersfield and Sheffield Wednesday among others - is benefitting from a first pre-season with Wanderers and has made 11 appearances so far this term, scoring in the 5-1 win against Salford City.

“You always have a few players who play a few more games to keep the core of the team,” he added. “You can’t change 11 every week, so this is normal. 

“If the manager sees that someone needs a little rest because he has played a few games, then everyone is happy because we have good players on the bench and in the squad. Everyone has to be ready to play. 

“Everyone should be training at their highest level to show the manager they are ready for the weekend, but at the end of the day what happens on the Saturday is the most important thing. 

“You can train well all week but sometimes it can go wrong and it doesn’t help anyone. You have to be able to train at your highest level and then make sure it goes through to the games.”

The versatile forward is one of the more experienced members of the Bolton squad, having played in the Premier League and Bundesliga during his career.

He has embraced the responsibility of trying to maintain high standards in training along with other leaders in the group.

He said: “As one of the older guys I am trying to drive it along with some of the guys who have been in the team a little bit longer. They know about the game and we are making sure everyone gives 100 per cent."