Aaron Morley is back at Bolton and ready help his permanent Wanderers re-assert themselves in the League One promotion race, writes Pete Oliver.
Morley has been re-called from a successful loan spell at Wycombe Wanderers, where he seized the chance to rediscover his best form and play regular first-team football again.
The midfielder started 18 league matches for the Chairboys, with his second goal for the club helping Wycombe regain top spot in the table on New Year’s Day.
Morley slotted home a penalty to secure a 2-1 win over Exeter City and is now set for a quick-fire re-match with the Grecians after returning to Wanderers and Ian Evatt’s squad for Saturday’s trip to St James’ Park.
“It's good to see him back,” said the Whites’ boss. “The loan was great for us really and did exactly what we needed it to do. He’s come back confident, fit and ready to play.
“It’s like having a new signing who's already integrated into what we do, so a huge plus and a huge benefit. He will be involved tomorrow.
“He's trained really well, got a big smile on his face and everyone's pleased to see him, so I’m looking forward to seeing him play.”
Morley’s return – and chance to make a 100th league appearance for the Whites since his arrival in January, 2022 – comes as a timely boost for Wanderers, particularly with midfielders Kyle Dempsey and Josh Sheehan currently out injured.
Sheehan may miss just one more game, while Wanderers also need to check on defender Eoin Toal after he missed Wednesday’s 2-1 loss at Mansfield Town through injury.
That result left Wanderers 10th in the table – five points behind sixth-placed Barnsley with two games in hand – as they reach the half-way point of the season at 13th-placed Exeter.
“I think everyone's frustration so far is just when everyone thinks we've had a really good result and we're ready to kick on we've taken a step backwards,” added Evatt.
“That was the frustration again the other day. It wasn't necessarily about the performance. I thought the performance was pretty good, it was the result which kicked us in the teeth and after a very good win against Lincoln to take another step backwards hurt.
“But we have to stay focused, we have to stay positive and we have to keep working hard to get better and get better consistently and that's what everyone's doing.
“Half a season is a long time and you can get a lot of points in half a season and as some of the ones at the top have shown. I still believe there is a huge run in this team. I do believe that and if we can strengthen and change one or two things in January that can help us as well.
“There's a lot still to play for. Yes, it hasn't gone the way we wanted it to go so far but we've been here before and in worse positions than this and still come out with good results and a good end of season, so that's what we're looking to do again.”
Watch the manager’s full pre-match interview on Wanderers TV