'Believe in him' - Ian Evatt reveals discussion with Kieran Sadlier on Bolton Wanderers situation

Ian Evatt wants Kieran Sadlier to be himself in his quest to get more game time at wing-back this season at Bolton Wanderers and admits that the attacker perhaps needs to be given a chance in the number 10 role.

Sadlier joined Wanderers in the January transfer window from Rotherham United as he put pen to paper on a two-and-a-half year deal. He found the back of the net four times in the second half of last campaign and became a regular at wing-back following the injury picked up by Marlon Fossey.

In the early stages of this season, Sadlier has found himself more playing as back-up to Liverpool loanee Conor Bradley in the right wing-back role. He is yet to start a game in League One and his only start of the season came in the EFL Cup win over Salford City, in which he scored:

READ MORE: Jurgen Klopp's messages to Liverpool loanee Conor Bradley before & during Bolton Wanderers loan

Sadlier is an attacker by trade and defensive responsibility is not one of his strengths. Evatt explained why clashes such as those against Sheffield Wednesday and Aston Villa in the past week has meant he has not been a starter for that reason.

Wanderers are playing in a back three and it means that in this formation, Sadlier is better suited to playing in the more attacking areas. In matches where defensive responsibility is key, Evatt admits it is a challenge for Sadlier in those encounters.

But Evatt stressed Wanderers have full belief in Sadlier and believes the player must take the opportunity when he is granted it. He believes the attacker has a good goal record and that a chance in the number 10 role is something that could be in the offing, as he has not been granted that yet.

Evatt told the Manchester Evening News: “I have had a