Ian Evatt is eager to return to winning ways against Morecambe this weekend but insists Wanderers must have the right “mindset and mentality”.

The Whites suffered a 3-1 defeat at Portsmouth in midweek despite going ahead through Dion Charles.

Evatt’s men remain fourth in the League One table, but the gap to fifth-place Derby is now down to a couple of points.

The Bolton boss is determined to bounce back against the Shrimps and keep gaining ground in the promotion race.

“I think this game is more about mindset and mentality than anything else,” he said.

“I am really pleased that we have only got three games in March because it gives us a great opportunity to get the bodies back that we can, to regroup and reset, and then focus on what is a good run-in for us in April.

“We are in a fantastic position. Obviously, expectations are huge now – and that is because we have earned it with our form.

“But we need to get back to winning ways on Saturday and we will be doing all we can to make sure that happens.

Wanderers had to navigate eight games in February, including the Papa Johns Trophy semi-final against Accrington.

“Sometimes it’s hard to catch your breath because they are just the highs and lows of football really, in the space of a week or two,” Evatt added.

“I think when we look back at last month – eight games, six wins. I think if you would have offered most people six wins they would have taken it with both hands.

“We are obviously disappointed with the games we have lost, just the manner of Tuesday more than anything.

“We didn’t play great, but I didn’t expect us to play great with what we have been through over the past month. But being ahead with 15 minutes to go, you really shouldn’t lose the game.”

The Whites have lost just three of their last 18 matches in all competitions, but Evatt believes there is still more to come from his side.

“I think it just shows how good this league is,” he explained. “That is excellent form, and I think Tuesday gives us an opportunity to reset really.

“As I said, it is just the manner of the goals that is disappointing but we are in really good form.

"The players know that they let themselves and everybody down on Tuesday and we will get a reaction on Saturday.”