Wanderers boss Ian Evatt hailed Josh Sheehan following a tough spell for the midfielder.

Sheehan has had to be patient for opportunities at times since his return from an ACL injury that kept him out of action for the best part of a year.

The Welshman was called upon against Accrington in midweek and rose to the occasion as the Whites secured a Wembley final against Plymouth.

Evatt praised the midfielder for his attitude and work ethic while he has been out of the side.

“I am delighted for Josh. He has had to sit patiently, it has been tough for him at times,” he told The Bolton News.

“But he has stayed engaged, he has still been really professional, worked hard and waited for his opportunity.

“He took it (against Accrington), I thought it was a great performance from him. Just his intelligence of what space to take and what pockets to pick up, and when to dribble and pass.

“I think that was a great reminder from him to everybody to show what he can do.”

Eoin Toal has also impressed in recent weeks, and Evatt reckons there is still more to come from the centre-back.

“He just keeps going from strength-to-strength. He is improving all the time,” the manager added.

“I still think there is loads to come from him. Physically, he is going to develop even more. We are doing lots of work with him in the gym, getting his body even more robust and stronger.

“Technically, he is great. He is good with the ball as we require centre-backs to be.

“I think him, Rico (Santos), Luke (Mbete), Gethin (Jones), Jonno (George Johnston), Jack (Iredale) - we have got some really talented centre-backs at this club.”

Cameron Jerome and Kyle Dempsey are both back in contention, while George Thomason is also back in the first-team picture following a spell out of action with a knee injury.

Shola Shoretire, Victor Adeboyejo and Dan Nlundulu were all cup-tied for the win at Accrington, having played in the competition for other clubs this season.

Southampton loanee Nlundulu recently returned to training after recovering from a hamstring problem.

Evatt says the trio are determined to make an impact against Port Vale after having to watch from the sidelines in midweek.

“They have trained really well,” he said. “They are sharp, they are hungry. We have got some real competition now returning to the squad.

“Hopefully, we can get things right, get the team right and get the tactics right for the remainder of the season.

“That starts on Saturday, which is going to be a really tough game, as they all are in this league. There are no easy games.”