ANDY Taylor knows he might have to grin and bear a reduced role in the Wanderers team between now and the end of the season.

A mainstay of last season’s promotion campaign, the experienced full-back has found opportunities harder to come by this season thanks to the splendid form of on-loan Everton defender Antonee Robinson.

After failing to make an appearance since Boxing Day, Taylor bounced back with a solid game against Sunderland but took a watching brief once again when Phil Parkinson named his line-up at Norwich on Saturday.

Though disappointed not to be getting the same level of consistent game time he did in League One, the former Middlesbrough man is keen to ensure he is ready when called upon.

“It’s the professionalism, including the lads who are not in the team, which made us successful last season,” he told The Bolton News. “If we stay in this league, it’ll be down to the togetherness and spirit of the squad as much as anything else.

“Of course it’s difficult when you are not getting games and you can get disappointed but you have got to make sure you’re behind everyone else, making sure you are ready yourself.”

Taylor picked up a calf injury at Boro in December which ruled him out of action at the start of the year – giving the dynamic young Robinson an unchallenged run in the side.

The youngster, known universally as “Jedi” at Lostock, seized his opportunity and has now attracted the international attention of the USA selectors, who have already worked with him at Under-18s and Under-20s level.

“Jedi has been fantastic since he came into the team,” Taylor admitted. “I think the manager knows what he gets from me, I’m a different player to Jedi, he’s very athletic, very attack minded and like I say he’s done great so it’s up to the manager what he wants to do now.

“It’s not easy watching, especially when you’re an experienced head.

“I’ve played a lot of games and want to keep playing and help the team out but you can do that whether you are in the team, on the bench or not even in the squad.

“You look at Jem – he was outstanding against Sunderland – and he hadn’t been involved.

“We’re a really tight group and keeping that togetherness will see us over the line.”