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Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
Sport
John McDougall

Gary Rowett makes Jon Dadi Bodvarsson Bolton Wanderers prediction after Millwall transfer exit

Millwall boss Gary Rowett believes Jon Dadi Bodvarsson has the potential to get on a roll in front of goal at Bolton Wanderers after admitting the striker lost his way at the Lions.

The Iceland international has completed a move from the Championship side on a free transfer and put pen to paper on a 18-month-deal at the University of Bolton Stadium.

The 29-year-old becomes the fifth signing of the January transfer window for Bolton following the permanent acquisitions of Charles and Aaron Morley, as well as the loan signings of Marlon Fossey and James Trafford.

READ MORE: Bolton Wanderers boss Ian Evatt on Shrewsbury Town, Jon Dadi Bodvarsson and Kyle Dempsey latest

Lions boss Rowett has now spoken on the Iceland international's departure from the Den and believes the striker lost his way at the London club recently and was not able to take opportunities when granted them.

But the Millwall boss has backed the striker to be among the goals at Wanderers, particularly if he opens his account early on in his Bolton career.

Speaking to South London Press, Rowett said: “Jon Dadi is a very good player but he has just lost his way a little bit. He’s had a few difficult periods where he’s had chances and maybe not taken them. But he’s always worked incredibly hard whenever picked.

“I just felt he got to the point about six months ago that he needed a change. He needed a fresh challenge. I think he felt that. That opportunity hasn’t managed to come along until now.

“Players come to the end of a cycle at a club and it’s very difficult for them to regain that confidence or form. That’s where I think Jon is. He’ll do really well somewhere. He’s a really good guy and trained well all the way along. I certainly wish him all the best.

“Jon’s not a natural goalscoring striker but he is a striker who can play anywhere across the front three. He’s very flexible and takes on information really well. He’s got a little bit of everything – he can run, he can head a ball, hold it up and be a real handful.

“But you only get that confidence back by playing regularly and then coming out the other side a little bit stronger. Jon hasn’t had that opportunity for different reasons.

“If Jon scores early on at Bolton then I think he’ll go on and score a few. Sometimes a change of scenery and environment is what people need.”

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