Fabrice Muamba is convinced Bolton Wanderers will be competing for a European place next season.

The England Under-21 midfielder had little hesitation in signing a four-year deal at the Reebok Stadium following Birmingham's slide into the Coca-Cola Championship.

Megson had to pay more than £5million to secure Muamba's services and the player is determined to take the team back up the league.

He told bwfc.co.uk: "Bolton are a big club and have been in Europe before. We can do that again especially with the players we have here and those the manager is trying to bring in.

"I am very excited and looking forward to the challenge. I had my first taste of the Premier League last year and I wanted more.

"As soon as I knew of the interest from Bolton I was ready to come here.

"I had a good year in Birmingham but this is a new start for me and I am looking forward to it."

Meanwhile, Bolton have lined up two pre-season games in Greece. They will face Aris on August 4 and AEK Athens four days later.