ANDY Taylor has warned against complacency in the Wanderers camp as the relegation run-in enters into its final stretch.
Eight games remain for the Whites to secure their place in the Championship for next season, starting with a trip to Leeds United on Good Friday.
Phil Parkinson’s side have a six-point cushion on the bottom three but still have to face direct rivals Birmingham City, Barnsley and Burton Albion.
Keeping focus, says Taylor, is now Wanderers’ most important task.
“It feels like there’s still a long way to go, it would be stupid to start thinking the job is done,” he told The Bolton News.
“We have put ourselves in a fantastic position, our fates in our own hands, but there are a couple of huge games coming up and if we’re not ready, we can get reeled back in.
“We’ve given ourselves a big fighting chance, so now it’s time to finish the job.”
Friday’s opponents Leeds have dropped like a stone since Christmas, winning just one of 15 games in all competitions. Taylor feels it will be a test of Bolton’s professionalism.
“To beat Villa the way we did, it has given everyone a huge boost of confidence, we’re flying,” he said. “But again it’s about focus. Leeds will be a tough game, we know that, but the way we’re playing at the minute we’d fancy our chances against anyone.”
Taylor also had some words of praise for fellow left-back Antonee Robinson, who has been handed his first senior call-up by the USA. The Everton loanee has made a big impact in his debut professional campaign, and will be part of Dave Sarachan’s squad facing Paraguay in North Carolina tomorrow.
“It’s fantastic for him,” said Taylor. “I was one of the first to text and congratulate him because he’s had a fantastic season.
“For a young lad who hasn’t played first team football to come into a team which has been fighting relegation all season is not easy but he’s handled himself brilliantly.
“I think it’ll stand him in good stead for the rest of his career. I am pretty sure he’ll go on and have a very good career too.”
Taylor says the healthy competition between himself and Robinson has been productive.
“We’ve both helped each other, spurred each other on, and it’s been the way all season. It has helped us both.”
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