'Nothing will beat me' - Dapo Afolayan's honest view of recent Bolton Wanderers bench time

Dapo Afolayan says he has not had any conversations with boss Ian Evatt recently over having to make do with appearances off the bench for Bolton Wanderers as he vowed to take opportunities which come his way through hard work.

Afolayan, 25, scored his first League One goal of the season over the weekend in the 1-0 win over Peterborough United. He was Bolton's top scorer last season with 14 goals in all competitions.

He has not started a game for Bolton in League One since the 2-0 loss to Sheffield Wednesday last month. Since then, he has made do with three appearances of the bench, a full game against Crewe Alex in the Papa Johns Trophy and been an unused substitute in the win over MK Dons.

READ MORE: Dapo Afolayan's verdict on coming off bench to score Bolton Wanderers winner vs Peterborough United

Afolayan has not spoken with boss Evatt about him not starting games of late. Instead, he has got his head down and worked hard to try and take the opportunities when they come amid a competitive squad at Wanderers.

He said: “I haven’t really had a conversation about it with the manager – if I am picked I am picked. If not then I’ll do my part for the team, work hard, do extras.

“I have been through a lot in my career already. I was paying to play football five years ago and now I am stood here talking to you guys, so it won’t faze me. Nothing will beat me.

“I will keep my head down and try and take my opportunities.

“If the team is doing well, it helps everyone. There is more focus on us as a squad, people want to come and watch, we get more support. When I do play I give it my all and try to impress.

“It can get tough for lads when you don’t play and we have got a big squad, good players who have played at decent