OLD FIRM DUO MADE BOLTON A WANDERER

DUNDEE UNITED winger Luke Bolton has revealed he was sold on a loan move to Scottish football by Old Firm duo Jeremie Frimpong and Brandon Barker. The 20-year-old Manchester City kid watched Barker impressing on loan at Hibs before winning a move to Rangers, and then Frimpong starring for Celtic last season. He sought the advice of both former youth academy team-mates before heading north himself to Tannadice. Now he hopes to follow in the footsteps of the duo by starring in a league that City rate highly for its role in developing their up-and-coming players. Bolton said: ‘A few months ago, I spoke to Jeremie Frimpong and he’s been enjoying it up here in Scotland. I also spoke to Brandon Barker about loans and he really enjoyed it at Hibs. ‘Jeremie has done really well. He’s taken his opportunity and I’m hoping to do the same. ‘Patrick Roberts is another who did well in Scotland. Man City hold Scottish football in high regard, as they should.’ After Celtic’s matches with St Mirren and Aberdeen were postponed this week, Neil Lennon’s side get back to domestic action against United on Saturday, August 22. Bolton hopes he will be in direct competition with Frimpong at Tannadice in the 5.30pm kick-off. ‘If I’m picked and he plays on my side then it will be a good battle,’ he smiled. ‘We were at the same school with all the Manchester City lads and I have played with him over the years. He’s a good lad. There’s no fakeness with him. He’s just a down-to-earth lad.’ Bolton, speaking after Tuesday’s 1-0 loss to Hibs at Tannadice, feels he is settling in to the frenetic pace of the Scottish game. He said: ‘I’d say the standard up here is very similar to the English Championship but it’s 100 miles per hour. ‘All the teams you go up against are fit and will run constantly. It’s about adapting but I think I’m doing that.’