Ian Evatt says he will be “extremely proud” to return to Pride Park as a manager when his Wanderers side take on promotion rivals Derby.

The Bolton boss began his youth career with the Rams and has fond memories of his time at the club.

Evatt, who went on to have spells with Blackpool and Chesterfield among others before hanging up his boots, says he learned some valuable lessons at Derby.

“It will bring back a lot of personal memories,” he said. “I lost my grandad a couple of years ago. He was a huge part of my football development and personal development. Many nights travelling from Coventry to Derby to enable me to train.

“To be back there as a manager will make me extremely proud. It was a fantastic place for me to play football and learn what the business of football is all about.

“I have nothing but good things to say about that football club and its fanbase. I am looking forward to going back.”

Only goal difference can separate Wanderers and Derby at this stage of the campaign, and Evatt is expecting another tight game.

He says it is important to match the Rams’ “intensity” and challenged his side to be clinical in the final third.

The manager explained: “This is a huge game and arguably the two most in form teams at the moment. Derby, I don’t think they have lost since October, and we are on a good run of form as well.

“The game here was extremely tight and I envisage a similar type of game at Pride Park. I think the surface there will probably help both teams. It is what we are in the game for, to be part of these games.”

He added: “The games against the best teams are always tight. Very rarely you have loads of chances and opportunities.

“I think it was a real hard-fought game between two very good teams. Paul has his team very well organised and coached, and they know what they are doing.

“It looks like a Paul Warne team, so we are going to have to be at our very best. We have to match their energy and intensity, and then find the moments of quality.

“I believe we had the better chances here. Dion (Charles) in particular had one big chance and when those moments come, we have got to take them.”