Anglo-Nigerian forward Shola Shoretire has described his loan move to Bolton Wanderers as something that he needs for his development.
The 18-year-old joined the Trotters from Manchester United for the rest of the 2022-23 season after having very limited playing time with the Red Devils first team this season with three appearances as an unused substitute.
The Newcastle-born – who has been a regular fixture for United’s Under-21’s this season – faced Bolton Under 21s in the Papa Johns Trophy last month and revealed that was when he realised the Trotters were interested in his services.
“They played some very good football and similar to what we’ve played at United,” Shoretire said on Bolton’s website.
“After that game was only when I found out Bolton had some interest and I was delighted really because it’s a great opportunity.
“Coming here at 18 I’m transitioning into the men’s game, which is exactly what I needed. Hopefully I will have a good loan here and it will put me in a good place.”
Bolton are remembered for playing in the Premier League between 2001 and 2012 which featured top players such as Nigeria’s Jay-Jay Okocha and Shoretire asserted the top-flight is where they belong to.
“For me the club belongs in the Premier League and hopefully next season the Championship,” he continued.
“They’re in a very good position right now to go for promotion. The team has been winning a lot. I have been keeping track and it’s just made me more excited to get here.
“I want to help the team continue to win and do as much as I possibly can to help with that.”
Bolton currently sit in fifth spot in League One and manager Ian Evatt believes Shoretire can make a difference because of his versatility.
“It offers us something different. We need different things to win different football matches, especially when teams are in that low block,” he said.
“We need someone that can receive centrally, win a one-v-one duel and create, whether it be a pass or a cross or a finish.
“We feel Shola can do that so I’m very excited to have him here.”
Shoretire could be in line to make his Bolton debut in a trip to Derby County on Saturday afternoon.
