Wanderers’ upcoming clash with Derby is the start of an “important run of fixtures”, according to Ian Evatt.

The Whites also have matches against the likes of Plymouth, Barnsley and Portsmouth coming up before the end of January.

Evatt knows it will not be easy but says the squad is embracing the challenge as they aim to consolidate their place in the top six.

“I think it is an important run of fixtures,” he said. “Derby twice, Portsmouth twice, Plymouth, Barnsley and Lincoln thrown in is a difficult run of games.

“But it’s one we are excited by and looking forward to. There is going to be a brilliant crowd here (against Derby).

“I use the word progression a lot and for us to progress, we need to start taking points off these teams in and around us. We know what we need to do and we have to go ahead and do it now.”

Wanderers have had some encouraging performances against sides near the top of the table, but Evatt knows it ultimately counts for nothing unless they can pick up points.

The Bolton boss believes they have previously lost the “battle in both boxes” and is keen to put it right in the coming weeks.

He added: “The division is certainly getting better. I think the top 10 in particular are really strong. When we have had these games in and around us, we have had a lot of moral victories.

“I think what we have done is lose moments in games and lose the battle in both boxes. These games are always tight, they are very rarely open and expansive games.

“They are always limited to very few chances and opportunities. We have been on the wrong side of those.

“We want to do better in these games, we know the importance of them. They are almost ‘six-point wins’ at this stage of the season when we are playing teams around us, and we are looking forward to it.

“Obviously, we are hopeful to try and win them all but we don’t think it is realistic. We know we need to take points off the teams in and around us and that is one thing we are focused on.”