BOSS Ian Evatt says Josh Sheehan will add “quality and competition” to the Bolton Wanderers midfield following the Welshman’s arrival in Lancashire after leaving Newport County AFC.

Wales international Sheehan makes the step up to League One with the Trotters, who gained automatic promotion last month alongside Cheltenham Town and Cambridge United.

The 26-year-old has signed a two-year deal at the University of Bolton Stadium, subject to international clearance.

“I’m delighted to sign for such a big club with the ambitions they have,” he told bwfc.co.uk. “That’s one of the reasons why I joined.

“I want to be part of the journey they are on and get Bolton Wanderers back to where they belong.

“When speaking with the manager he expressed his desire to sign me and told me his ambitions, and that really attracted me to be part of it.

“Also, his style of football and the way he wants to play suits me so I feel it’s a good match.

“I can’t wait to play in front of the Bolton Wanderers fans. Even before it was announced I had loads of messages from them!

“I think this just shows the size of the fan base at this club.”

Sheehan played 53 games in all competitions for County last season, including the Exiles’ two victories against Wanderers.

During his time at Rodney Parade he made 179 appearances, finding the net on 15 occasions.

He was named in the PFA’s League Two Team of the Year alongside new team-mates Eoin Doyle and Ricardo Almeida Santos last week and has two international caps for his country.

Evatt added: “Josh is a player I have tracked and known about for a long time and I am delighted to have signed him.

“He’s very good technically and is an intelligent and excellent footballer.

“He’s a Welsh international who has had a great season with Newport, who he has captained and he was also named in the PFA Team of the Year.

“He will add quality and competition to our very strong midfield area and I’m looking forward to working with him.”