Ian Evatt believes Kieran Sadlier is capable as playing striker for Bolton Wanderers in a bid to increase his chances of playing regularly after his goal against Leeds United's under-21s.
Sadlier is yet to start a game in League One so far this season for the Whites amid an intensely competitive and fully fit squad Evatt has to choose from. He has made four starts this campaign in the cup competitions, with most of his appearances coming via the bench.
That was the case again last night as he was a substitute in the 3-0 victory over Leeds' youngsters in the Papa Johns Trophy. He came off the bench to score the club's third goal.
Sadlier played upfront as a striker alongside Amadou Bakayoko, looking bright in the position. It is a role he played for former club Doncaster Rovers.
The attacker has a decent goalscoring record for Wanderers since joining in the January transfer window. He has eight goals to his name in 33 appearances, eclipsing his goalscoring total for former club Rotherham United and in fewer games.
Sadlier's versatility helps him, but Evatt admits the current 3-4-1-2 system Wanderers employ does not really suit the attacker. However, he believes his goalscoring record speaks for itself and he has no issue with where Sadlier plays for Wanderers.
He said: “I think his goalscoring record for us is excellent. Kieran is one of those that the system doesn't really suit, in a 4-2-3-1 or 4-3-3, he’s a natural wide player, but he keeps telling me he can play as a nine. I’ve seen him play as a nine for Doncaster and he did okay there.
“He wants to throw his hat in the ring in those positions. He’s clinical when he gets chances, there’s no doubt about that. His goalscoring record speaks for itself and it was a good finish tonight.
“You can see that both ways, because it probably counts for him that he throws his hat in the ring in a number of positions as well. He is a versatile player but when someone asks your occupation, you don’t say I’m a centre forward for a living. You’re a football player and thy should naturally be able to play in different positions.
“I have no problem with Kieran playing wing-back, as a 10, as a nine, because he needs to suit the system and he world really hard on his game to make sure he can play in those different positions.”
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