Ian Evatt believes Randell Williams has all the attributes to be a success story at Wanderers.

Williams joined from Hull City in the January window but had a difficult start to life at Bolton, having to play catch-up on the rest of the squad due to his lack of playing time during the first half of the campaign.

The 26-year-old has looked sharp in pre-season – particularly during the goalless draw against Everton on Tuesday night.

“He hadn’t played too often before he came to us in January and I think he was ‘consistently inconsistent’ in the second half of the season,” Evatt told The Bolton News.

“But we know what we have got with Randell, there is a huge amount of talent there. There are a lot of attributes and for us, it is about putting it all together consistently.

“I think this pre-season has done him a world of good. I thought he was outstanding (against Everton).”

New signing Carlos Mendes Gomes came off the bench against the Toffees following his move from Luton Town.

Evatt has previously spoken about wanting his side to be tactically flexible and reckons Mendes Gomes will help in that regard.

“Carlos has only trained one day with us,” he added. “He is going to get better and better with time with us, and he gives us lots of flexibility.

“He can move in and out of positions in game. He can play, nine, eight, 10, seven – he can do it all really, which is great for us.

“I think he is going to be an excellent player and I am excited to work with him.”

Skipper Ricardo Santos also received plenty of plaudits for his performance against Sean Dyche’s side in midweek.

“Everybody know what I think of Rico,” the manager grinned.

“I’m his biggest and performances like that go a long way to showing how important he is for the way we play and how important he is for the football club.”

Tuesday night’s game was Wanderers’ first home game since the play-off semi-final against Barnsley more than two months ago.

There was some concern over the playing surface last season but it looks in excellent condition ahead of the new campaign.

“I have got to say the grounds staff have done a wonderful job, not only here but at Lostock as well,” Evatt declared.

“The pitches there are immaculate. That is what we need and require to coach the players the way we want to coach them.

“We have made the pitch as big as we possibly can here because obviously we are an open and expansive team, and we try to use the entirety of the pitch at all times really to stretch the opposition.

“I’m delighted with the work they have done and let’s hope it holds up for the entire season.”