91Èȱ¬

Bolton Wanderers boss Dougie Freedman is confident his side's form will pick up after their performance in the 2-1 League Cup defeat by Chelsea.

Wanderers held their own for long spells and equalised through Matt Mills before Oscar's second-half winner.

Despite the spirited display at Stamford Bridge, the Trotters have won just once in the league this season.

"I'm not sitting here thinking we're playing badly and we're losing games," Freedman told 91Èȱ¬ Radio Manchester.

"I'm sitting here quite confident saying that if we stick to what we believe in and we make sure we show the same commitment then things will turn very quickly.

"We've been playing quite well and we just need a bit of a break now and again, or some fortune.

"Of course we need a win, but I don't think we're too far away."

Bolton are only outside the relegation zone on goal difference after taking five points from their opening eight games this term.

Wanderers have strengthened the squad recently, bringing in striker Max Clayton,goalkeeper Paddy Kenny and midfielder Chris Herd to help their cause.

"There's been a lot of negativity around Bolton as a whole," added captain Mills.

"I think if you look at the performances individually game by game, we're not a million miles away.

"The manager has touched on a little bit of belief to try to nick something, and start on a run to achieve something special this year.

"The Championship is a funny league and I've been in a lot worse positions and finished the season in the play-offs, so let's use this as a catalyst to push on.

"I don't want to make excuses as it has to come from us, we've got to perform and get results."