JOE Dodoo is pushing for his first Wanderers start in Saturday’s home clash with Rochdale.

The former Leicester and Rangers striker made his debut as a substitute in the 0-0 draw against Blackpool 10 days ago and continued his quest for match sharpness with a run-out for the development squad on Monday night.

Dodoo has not started a league game since March, when he turned out for Blackpool against Accrington during a loan spell.

Now, the newly acquired striker is itching for more game time following his impressive televised cameo before the international break.

“Every single minute I spent out on the pitch gets me closer to where I need to be,” he told The Bolton News.

“I know I’ve got to earn my right to be out there but my target is to get into the team, stay in the team and get results. The faster that happens, the better.”

Dodoo is enjoying life at Bolton, where he linked up with his former Bury boss David Flitcroft – now assistant to Keith Hill with Wanderers.

And he says the transition has been made simpler by the fact both men share the same footballing principles.

“They are quite similar,” he said “They have the same vision in what they want to do, they are very similar in the way they work and that makes it easier when they know what each other is going to do and what they are bringing to the training ground. It makes it easier for me to adapt.”

Meanwhile, Wanderers have confirmed they have not been approached by any representatives at Bury about a ‘phoenix club’ playing future games at the UniBol – but have not closed the door entirely on it happening in the future.

The Shakers are heading for liquidation despite an HMRC winding-up petition getting a 14-day adjournment at the High Court yesterday.

The club is now having to re-apply for a place in the non-league pyramid and may have to move away from Gigg Lane.

A spokesperson said: “If the club was approached, which we have not been, about the possibility of enabling Bury FC to play their home games at the University of Bolton Stadium, then we would engage with all relevant parties and stakeholders before considering such request.”