IAN Evatt reckons a deserved draw against Fiorentina should give his players a real confidence boost ahead of the League One campaign.

Victor Adeboyejo scored a second-half equaliser in an exciting contest against last season’s UEFA Conference League runners-up, who were playing the first of a three-game tour of northern England.

Croatia international Josip Brekalo had put the Serie A side ahead and both sides missed good chances before a tempestuous finish in which three players were given yellow cards – somewhat of a rarity in pre-season friendlies.

Evatt, who continued to adapt a new 3-4-3 system, says his side can take a lot from their third pre-season outing.

“I really enjoyed the game,” he said. “I know it became petulant the last 10-15 minutes but I have just said to the players that we should take that as a compliment because we more than held our own and I don’t think they liked it very much.

“That is a new experience for us but I thought it was a really enjoyable game, a high-quality game, and even the referees have said that. Some of their players came across and said they were impressed, couldn’t believe we are a third-tier team.

“Belief is something we speak about all the time but that is something you have to earn. I think that performance should give the players belief because it was excellent.”

Wanderers only named eight outfield players on the bench, a handful completing their first 90-minute stint since returning in the summer.

Evatt was pleased with his team’s fitness levels, and the impact of the players he brought on in the second half.

“I thought we looked the stronger and we finished the stronger,” he said.

“Obviously we are light on numbers, and we are working hard to bring recruits in, and get people back fit again. They are getting there – Dion Charles is back full training now and should be involved on Tuesday against Stoke City, Chris Forino will be back next week as well, so the bodies are returning.”

Aaron Collins was taken off at half time as a precaution, having been injured in a challenge on the edge of his own penalty area.

“I think it was just as he was fouled, the lad scraped down his knee,” Evatt explained. “It is quite a nasty gash on his knee and there is a bit of bruising, more of a dead leg, but he should be fine.”

Tempers flared late in the game, sparked initially by a rousing challenge from George Johnston on Moise Kean, which had players from both sides pushing and shoving each other.

The Bolton defender was booked by referee Bobby Madley but Evatt played down the seriousness of the offence.

He said: “Back when I was a centre-back that was a great challenge. In England it’s applauded and a very good, strong tackle and in Europe it’s probably a red card. You saw the difference out there tonight, it’s a cultural difference.

“The pleasing thing for me was that the players stuck up for themselves and stuck together because we are going to have to do that this season.”