George Johnston is focussing on the bigger picture as the play-off race reaches its penultimate weekend.

Pride dented by defeat against Accrington in midweek in what was their game in hand on chasing Derby County and Peterborough United, the defender believes a reminder is useful that Bolton remain in the box seat going into the last two games.

Victory at home to Fleetwood Town on Saturday might yet be enough to seal a top six spot and Johnston is still optimistic that his season can be extended by another month.

“We know what we need to do,” Johnston told The Bolton News. “And that is massive. We know the two teams below us would much rather be in our position. We have the upper hand and we should be using that confidence to go into the final two games being as positive as possible.

“It is weird to think the actual season ends in 10 days but for us it feels like there is still a long way to go and a lot of football to be played. Our goal is to make sure there is another four weeks, another five games and hopefully five wins.”

Scott Brown has taken Fleetwood up a level after last season’s struggles, and it was only two late goals from Conor Bradley and Dapo Afolayan that turned the game in Bolton’s favour when the two sides met at Highbury in November.

Since then, the Cod Army have retained mid-table solidity and, says Johnston, brought in players like Jack Marriott from Peterborough who hint at ambitions to push higher next term.

“They have nothing to play right now for but they have recruited well in January,” he said. “They are well organised, well structured, they have a clear identity and style of play.

“We’ll have to put up with what they have got but hopefully our football takes over and we can go and get the three points.”

Wanderers have seen the goals dry up since putting four past Plymouth Argyle at Wembley but Johnston believes it is only a temporary problem.

“I don’t think there is anything massively missing,” he said. “We have been creating chances and you would be worried if we weren’t doing that. It has only been in this last three games that we have been missing them, really, and hopefully this weekend that penny will drop and we can put a few past Fleetwood.”

Johnston hopes Saturday’s game will not be the last at the University of Bolton Stadium – for it will be renamed when football returns next season.

The former Liverpool man has his eye on a play-off semi-final in May and a chance to reward supporters for their backing up and down the land.

“The fans have been massive for us this year, the attendances have grown week on week and we are really appreciative of their support,” he added.

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