Joe Dodoo says that his move from Rangers to Bolton Wanderers is not a step-down, despite the contrasting fortunes the two clubs are currently experiencing.

The 24-year-old endured a difficult time at Ibrox, making 27 appearances and scoring five goals for the club after joining from Leicester in 2016, with the striker also experiencing spells on loan in League One with Charlton and Blackpool during that time.

It was announced at the start of October that Dodoo had torn up his Rangers contract, before signing a deal with Bolton until the end of this season, with the striker making his debut for Wanderers against former club Blackpool last Monday.

Whereas Rangers are currently top of the Scottish Premier League, Bolton are bottom of League One following their 12 point deduction at the start of this season, although Dodoo appears to have no regrets about the move.

Speaking to The Bolton News about swapping Glasgow for Bolton, the striker said: “I think a lot of people forget the size of this club.

“If you rewind a year and the club is in the Championship, we’re not sat here. Bolton are a big club and I don’t see this as any sort of step down."

Explaining his thinking behind those claims, it appears Dodoo is also assessing this from an individual perspective, as he added: "It’s easy to ignore what goes on behind closed doors but it’s my career and it’s not easy when you are not playing games, or you haven’t got the right manager or the right team.

“I’d rather be somewhere that I can achieve something with people who want to make me achieve, an environment that I benefit from.

“I feel like I have that here at Bolton. I have enjoyed what I have seen so far and I want more.”

Discussing his and Bolton manager Keith Hill's aims for him this campaign, Dodoo continued: “The manager expects the best out of me and I expect the highest of myself.

“I see myself more as a dynamic striker. Of course I want goals but I love to create for other players as well.

“I know I’ll be expected to do both at Bolton but I like the pressure. I put those sort of expectations on myself to make sure I’m the best I can be.”

Bolton are next in action on Saturday afternoon, when they host Rochdale at The University of Bolton Stadium.

The Verdict

I think Dodoo deserves credit for his apparent outlook here.

Right now Rangers are competing for silverware on several fronts, while Bolton are battling against relegation from the third-tier of English football.

That would arguably be seen as a step down by the majority, although it appears as though that situation is not a concern for Dodoo, so long as he is playing.

That desire to play football as much as possible regardless of the level does feel like a refreshing outlook to see, and judging by his brief cameo against Blackpool, I do think Dodoo can be confident of getting more of those opportunities this season.

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