Walker Ready For Action

By Mark Heys
October 26 2005

Bolton goalkeeper Ian Walker has told his manager that he is ready and waiting for any first team opportunities that come his way in the months ahead.

The former England international has appeared in two of Bolton's European games since moving from Leicester City over the summer and the competition with regular custodian Jussi Jaaskelainen is something which he is relishing.

"There has to be competition, You have to try and push yourself as hard as you possibly can and to try and get in the team, otherwise there's no point coming. I'll push myself as hard as I can and, if anything comes up, I'll try and play to the best of my ability." Walker told the Bolton Evening News

"That's where I am at the moment. If I can push Jussi to do well then that's a bonus. If something happens in the meantime, or whenever Sam decides to play me or change the team around, I'll be ready to come in."

The veteran custodian, who turns 34 next week, says that his recent foray with the first team in has made the extensive training all the more worthwhile. The ex-Tottenham regular expected the odd game here and there in the Carling Cup but the fact that he has been involved more than expected has been a huge bonus to him over the last few weeks.

"I thought I'd just be back up for Jussi and perhaps maybe play in the Carling Cup, That was the highest expectation I had. To get a couple of games in Europe is a great bonus. Sitting on the bench is not much fun but getting a couple of games makes all the training worthwhile.

"It's been important to me. After that game in Plovdiv, I was waiting for another opportunity and it was nice when it came

Walker is expected to get another opportunity to impress during tonight's Carling Cup game against West Ham United.