'I’m not the most talented, but no-one works harder than me' - James Bolton on overcoming Portsmouth torment

A week ago, the Blues’ forgotten man hadn’t featured in a League One fixture since July 2020 and instead summoned to train at Roko on match days.

However, a shock return at centre-half at Charlton was followed by a late equaliser and the man-of-the-match accolade in Saturday’s 2-2 draw with Plymouth.

It has been a remarkable re-emergence for Bolton, who previously had been restricted to mainly Papa John’s Trophy outings this term.

Yet the former Shrewsbury man is adamant he never lost heart during his lengthy spell confined to the Fratton Park stands.

He told The News: ‘Whatty’s out and Nico’s not back, I have to take my chance and do the best I can.

‘You can’t give up, you have got to do it for yourself. The boys will vouch I am a good professional, I keep myself fit and times like this are when it comes in use.

‘It has been tough, I’ve had Saturdays training at Roko while the lads are playing games and it’s hard to motivate yourself.

‘Me and Downing have been on our own training on Saturdays, along with lads injured or not selected. We’re both good pros, though, prepared to put in the work and stay fit.

‘Then you get moments like now, when you’re back playing. Then it’s worth it.

‘Hard work - that’s the basics for me. It has helped put me in good stead my whole career.

‘I will always say that I’m not the most talented, but you won’t find anybody harder working than me.

‘It’s tough to play for six weeks, then not play for six weeks, then I’m expected to come into a game. I was happy how it went against Plymouth.

‘I think I’ve built on Tuesday – and felt a lot more confident on the ball and off it on Saturday.’

Despite recruited as a right-back on a free transfer from Shrewsbury in the summer of 2019, Bolton has re-emerged at centre-half.

He played in the role against Arsenal in the FA Cup and then a 2-2 draw with Fleetwood, both in March 2020.

Now with Jack Whatmough suspended, Paul Downing injured and Rasmus Nicolaisen absent following the birth of his child, Bolton has again been challenged to fill the spot.

He added: ‘I will play wherever the manager wants me, whether it’s at centre-half, right-back or in a five like in the Papa John’s Trophy.

‘I just want to be out there and do what I can.

‘I know what it’s like, you have your main centre-halves here. Hopefully I can show what I’m about and put my foot in the door.

‘I’m probably not the biggest centre-half, but feel I read the game well, am quite good in the air and have the attributes to play there – and in a five as well.

‘But I’m happy to play anywhere.’

A message from the Editor, Mark Waldron

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