George Johnston is aiming to kick on this season with Bolton Wanderers and believes there is no set starting XI at the club now unlike teams he has played for in the past.
The 24-year-old joined Wanderers last summer from Feyenoord and has gone on to become a first choice selection on the left hand side of defence for Ian Evatt's side. He has played every single minute of the club's season so far.
The past two transfer windows in particular has seen the Bolton squad transform and with now a fully fit squad to choose from, competition for places is as strong as it has ever been. Ian Evatt has two players to choose from in every position on the pitch.
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Johnston has previously represented Feyenoord and Wigan Athletic in his senior playing career. But the defender believes that, unlike in those sides, there is no set starting team and players understand being left out if Evatt deems it to be what is required for any given match.
Speaking to Bolton's programme, Johnston said: “We have got a really good squad, there are at least two players in each position now. It isn’t like the other teams I have started in where there is a set XI.
“Depending on who we are coming up against, what threats the opposition have, the manager can pick different teams. So if you are not in the team it isn’t personal. It is just that the gaffer trusts the team he puts out there can do the job that day. Everyone understands that."
Johnston was voted the club's Young Player of the Season last campaign. In the latest accolade for him, he has been nominated as a Rising Star at the North West Football Awards.
The defender believes last season was key for his development, as he got nearly 50 games under his belt. Having started the season and played every minute so far, Johnston is looking to build upon that and help Wanderers do as well as they can.
He said: “I was delighted to get the award last season. It was the most games I had played in a season and I’d learned so much,
“It was massive for my development, playing that many games. I learned so much that I wanted to take into this season.
“It was great to get the nomination in the North West awards as well alongside some really good players but, for me, it is about looking forward now.
“I think I am young enough to keep improving. I’ll keep pushing and keep working on the things I need to and hopefully I will progress myself and the club.
“I really want to push this season and help the club go as far as it can.”
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