Wanderers boss Ian Evatt has commented on links with a move for Dundee captain Luke McCowan.

Reports north of the border claimed McCowan was a target for the Whites, along with Hibernian.

The 26-year-old midfielder scored 10 goals in 41 matches last term as Dundee finished sixth in the Scottish Premiership.

He has had a strong start to the current campaign, tucking away a penalty in the derby against Dundee United last weekend.

Evatt admitted that Wanderers “admire” McCowan but says there has been “nothing else from us”.

He told The Bolton News: “Luke is a player we are aware of, of course. We have got a real deep scouting network now which looks at everybody, everywhere pretty much.

“Luke is a player we like and admire, but that is as far as it goes really. He is Dundee’s player so there is nothing to speak of really.

“He is a player we think is very talented but it is just admiration, there has been nothing else from us.”

The Wanderers chief is eager to make a winning start at Leyton Orient this weekend – but expects another tight contest at Brisbane Road.

There was little to separate the sides in January until Dan Agyei slotted home after a slightly fortunate ricochet sent him through on goal.

Evatt insists his side must perform better this time around as they aim to hit the ground running and ensure there is no hangover from their play-off heartbreak at Wembley.

“The first games are predominantly quite tight,” he added. “I know you get some crazy results sometimes in some divisions but, predominantly, they are quite tight and nervy affairs where you are trying to suss each other out.

“You have got some data and video from pre-season but sometimes teams can be experimenting and trying different things – we have done that ourselves.

“I think when it comes down to it, you will see two teams who know each other pretty well and know what each other likes to do and wants to do. If we perform well, hopefully we can get the right result.”