Wanderers youngster Gez Sithole is eager to make the most of his loan opportunity at Altrincham after a frustrating spell out of action.

Sithole joined the Whites’ B Team squad last summer after progressing through the youth ranks at Gillingham, going on to make a number of appearances at first-team level.

The 20-year-old forward featured for Matt Craddock’s side in the Central League before suffering a knee injury that kept him out for around eight months.

Sithole joined Altrincham on an initial month-long loan and is keen to make his mark in the National League.

“The first season, I was doing well but I tore my meniscus and was out for about eight months,” the youngster told the club’s YouTube channel. “I have played a few games now and would say that I am ready.

“The facilities (at Bolton) are great and the atmosphere at the stadium is crazy, it is immense.”

He continued: “There were a few talks with Altrincham last month and now there are quite a few players injured, I think it was the perfect time for me to come here and show what I can do.

“The lads are all nice and the gaffer is good, he welcomed me. It just feels like normal.”

Sithole played under Steve Evans, who is currently in charge at Stevenage, during his time at the Priestfield Stadium.

Evans got his first shot at professional football with Wanderers in the late seventies after he was spotted by Ian Greaves in Glasgow.

“I joined when I was 16 and we played a game against Chatham,” the forward recalled. “Steve Evans was there to watch and I had a good game.

“He came and said he really liked me and would like to see me in training. That is where it kind of started.

“He is a very good guy. He treats everyone the same, he is honest with everyone. He is tough, but it builds character at the end of the day.”

Sithole was an unused substitute in the 6-1 win against Ebbsfleet over the weekend and could make his debut against Maidenhead tonight.