Bolton Wanderers signing Gretar Steinsson says his original rejection by the Trotters helped shape his career.

The Icelandic defender, 26, returned to the Reebok last week as a £3.5m capture from AZ Alkmaar five years after failing to impress former boss Sam Allardyce whilst on trial.

And he said: "At that time I was young and just trying out. I wasn't ready for first team football.

"Bolton said no and I did get frustrated but you have to take the experience and get better and I had to move on.

"I went back to my club in Iceland and then made the right decisions to get where I am today.

"I knew I would not play first team football at Bolton because I was not good enough at that time.

"That was what I was looking for, so I had to make a new programme to get there."

Steinsson made his Bolton debut in the 0-0 draw at Newcastle on Saturday.