GRETAR Steinsson is a man used to overcoming adversity.

So Bolton's Icelandic star is able to take Wanderers' battle for Premier League survival in his stride.

Don't get the impression the former AZ Alkmaar defender does not care about the club's plight. Nothing could be further from the truth.

But Steinsson has had it tough and now he's ready to get going.

Leaving home at 16 to join Akranes, one of Iceland's leading sides, he was forced to live in a garage.

"I didn't earn a penny," he recalls of his younger days. "The garage was literally a bed, shower, cabinet and door to get out.

"Iceland can be very cold and it was very cold in that garage but I was focused on becoming a footballer."

Steinsson has impressed since his arrival from Dutch football, but admits Bolton's plight is something new.

"I have never been in a relegation fight before," he says. "But we do have players who have and know what is required.

"That kind of experience is useful but the most important thing is we stick together. My upbringing taught me not to take anything for granted.

"You have to work hard to do your job and when you are struggling you have to work really hard.

"If you work harder than the next man you will be able to achieve things. When I came to Bolton I knew they would be in a fight.

"But I also knew Bolton had a reputation for battle and achieving more than people expected. We are now really up against it and have some tough games.

"We need to start defying the odds once again, but I believe we can do it."

"We all know the situation we are in. We understand how serious it is."

Do you think Bolton will escape relegation? Have your say.

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