JOHN McAtee is ready to roll up his sleeves for Wanderers at Northampton tonight.

Stormy weather is predicted for Bolton’s third away game inside a week, against a side that has proven awkward opposition in the past.

McAtee, who opened his league account for the Whites with the second goal at Crawley on Saturday, is looking forward to a physical test.

“Every game is difficult in this league and there are different reasons every time,” he said. “Northampton will be tough, we know that. Personally, I don’t mind getting down and dirty with those away days. It feels that bit sweeter when you get the three points and you have grafted for it.

“We want to be a team that is good at playing through the lines but at the same time, three points is three points. We want another three points on Tuesday night.

“We have set ourselves a target for the next three games and hopefully we reach that.”

McAtee admits his first month at Bolton has not gone completely according to plan, as he catches up with match sharpness and fitness lost on the periphery of Luton Town’s squad in the summer.

The striker feels like he is making progress and that his acrobatic goal celebrations at Crawley won’t be the last.

“It is difficult,” he said. “Of course, you want to make an impact as soon as possible and sometimes when that doesn’t happen, it is quite frustrating. But you just have to knuckle down, keep working hard and you will reap the rewards.

“I will not give excuses. I have come here to do a job and that is what I will be looking to do for the rest of the season. There are lots of different factors to maybe having a slow start, but I will keep working hard and hopefully it continues to be good.”