Bolton Wanderers striker Amadou Bakayoko eyeing Sheffield Wednesday start

AMADOU Bakayoko hopes his two goals in the Papa John’s Trophy gave Ian Evatt something to think about at Sheffield Wednesday this weekend.

The striker came off the bench at half time to score twice, once from the spot, in a 4-1 win against Liverpool Under-21s.

Bakayoko had missed nine games in league and cup because of a calf injury before making his return as a substitute against Shrewsbury Town at the weekend.

With his first goals since the opening day of the season now under his belt, he hopes to be in his manager’s thoughts for a starting place sooner rather than later.

“Getting a few minutes in me, I’m feeling alright, a bit more fitness and hopefully ready to start a few more games,” he said.

“I’m slowly getting there. A few more days of training and I shouldn’t be far away."

Ian Evatt made 10 changes against Liverpool, and the strength of his squad was underlined in what was a competent and professional performance on the night.

Bakayoko replaced Elias Kachunga at the half time interval, with youngsters Mitchell Henry and Arran Pettifer also brought on for some experience towards the end.

“There was a lot of changes there but I think it showed there is a lot of quality in the squad and everyone is going to want to play at Sheffield Wednesday,” the striker said.

“Some of the boys got some rest but there is a lot of competition here now and it is good to have on the training ground, to give the gaffer some headaches.

“You need that over a long season, so many games, you don’t know what might happen.

“At the same time there might be frustration with some of the lads who are not getting in the team â€" and those are the ones who have to keep believing and make sure the attitude is spot on.”

Bakayoko earned instant adulation from the Wanderers fans with a debut goal on the opening weekend of the season against MK Dons and was warmly welcomed on to the field at the weekend on his return from injury.

A spell on the side-lines was initially tough to stomach for the former Coventry City man but Wanderers’ form in the last few weeks gave him an incentive to return.

“It was tough at the start, especially the first week it happened, but I think the boys did really well so that motivated me to get back as quick as possible to help them out,” he said. “Seeing them get results picked me up and I am ready now to compete for a starting place.

“There is a good togetherness on the training ground and you can see that with the way we play. I think there is a good balance with the young players in the team as well.”

Although he admitted his penalty against Liverpool was “lucky” â€" Bakayoko had earlier showed striker’s instincts to get on the end of Liam Gordon’s cross for his first goal of the night.

He was picked on the right side of attack earlier in the campaign but would ideally like to be challenging Eoin Doyle for a spot, front and centre.

“Preferably I play down the middle, but I have played out wide a couple of times for the last couple of clubs as well. Wherever they put me in the team I do what I can, try to get goals,” he added.

Share this post