Things are looking very different for Wanderers midfielder Josh Sheehan compared to 12 months ago.

Last year, Sheehan - who helped the Whites to a 2-0 victory at Fleetwood last night - was still building up his sharpness after a lengthy spell out of action with an ACL injury.

The Welshman was entering the final months of his contract and serious questions had been asked about his Bolton future amid links with a move to Exeter City.

However, the 28-year-old impressed during the final months of last season and penned a new two-year deal. He has picked up where he left off this term, becoming a key member of Ian Evatt’s squad.

“I came back towards the end of the season and it is always tough,” he told The Bolton News. “When you miss pre-season, it feels like you are playing catch up.

“I didn’t start to get into the team until the start of this year. Speaking to any player who has had a bad injury, it takes time after something like that.

“But I feel like I am getting back to where I can be. It is a big difference from a year ago but I think there is still more to come.”

Sheehan had made a promising start to his Bolton career prior to the injury, which occurred on a miserable night at Stockport in the FA Cup.

The creative midfielder is pleased to be repaying Evatt’s faith after such a frustrating spell on the sidelines.

“I think that is why the gaffer signed me, he saw me being able to do this from the start and unfortunately I got injured very early on,” he continued.

“I felt like I could do this, being able to dictate the games from the deeper position I am playing at the moment. I think that is where I am most comfortable but I will play anywhere.

“I am hoping that I can keep performing to the top of my level and when I’m on the pitch, I want to try to be the best player.

“I want to try to get the team going and that is what I think my job is – keep the game ticking along for us, starting attacks and breaking things up as well.”

Sheehan has been used in a deeper midfield role in recent months, allowing him to play a key role in the build-up phase.

The former Newport man believes he is well-suited to the role and hopes he can keep improving heading into the New Year.

“For the way we play, it is important,” he explained. “I feel like all our midfielders can play that position because we are all good technically and on the ball.

“When you are in that position, you have got to be a calm head and work out whether to move it quickly or slow things down to your tempo. Maybe age and playing where I have before is helping me now at this club.”