Neil Lennon refused to get carried away despite Bolton’s weekend win over Huddersfield lifting them three points clear of the Championship relegation zone.
A 100% home record since replacing Dougie Freedman has given the former Celtic boss a base to build on as the play-off places edge into sight.
Just 13 points separate third bottom Brighton with Blackburn, in a play-off slot, with Lennon quietly confident that he has Bolton heading back in the right direction.
Craig Davies scored the only goal of the match in the 67th minute but it was goalkeeper Andy Lonregan’s contribution that earned the praise of the Irishman.
“The first goal was always going to be crucial and that looked a goal for me,” Lennon. said about Lonregan’s save early in the second half from Jason Butterfield. “It was a brilliant save and that’s why I congratulated Andy after the game.
“Sometimes these things get overlooked. He is in the team to make saves obviously but that was pivotal.
“When you are trying to be consistent and trying to win things, you need your goalkeeper. I had a great one at Celtic (Fraser Forster) and Peter Schmeichel did it for years at Manchester United.
“I hope Andy continues in the same form. All good teams have great goalkeepers. I am not saying Andy is great by any means but he has been excellent since I came in. He is brave and a better goalkeeper than I thought.”
On Saturday Bolton travel to Reading knowing that a win bring them level with the Royals on 24 points.