Bolton Wanderers boss Ian Evatt has defended rejecting Phil Jagielka's request to train with his squad after being released by Sheffield United.

Jagielka spent 12 years with Everton before calling time on his stint on Merseyside in 2019.

Evatt said: “Jags asked me if he could come in pre-season and it was a yes, because I always like to help out good, experienced pros to try and stay in the game. And it would have been just that.

“But then we got the media fanfare, the expectancy that fans seemed to have for signing that sort of player, it's just no good for anybody.

“It's certainly no good for the group, who we're trying to hide from all the distractions and sideshows. We decided to move on."