The Northern Ireland international has played in more over 50 games for the Lancashire team and has been capped twice for his country. Before crossing the Irish Sea in 2022, the 25-year-old had made over 130 appearances for Derry City, where he was elected club captain.
This season, in 29 league games, the centre back has three goals and 11 clean sheets to his credit. On Saturday, the Whites resumed their winning ways with a 2-0 victory against Cambridge United.
When the Trotters visit fourth-place Barnsley on Tuesday night, they have the opportunity to move up to second place and close to leaders Portsmouth by just four points. With a game remaining, the Tykes are only three points behind Ian Evatt’s team. Derby County, who are now in second position, don’t play again until Saturday.
Speaking to Bolton News, Toal admitted he has aspirations to play in the Championship: “I definitely want to play at that level. It has been well highlighted that we want to kick on. “It is something we are aiming for and there are some big games coming up now. “If we can keep putting points on the board, there’s no reason why we can’t get there. “I have played a lot of the games this season, and it is something that I like to do, be vocal on the pitch, talk my way through. “We have lots of leaders around the team and I think everyone chips in their own way. It really is a team effort.
“Every game is going to be hugely important for us from here on in but we can only really focus on one at a time, Barnsley first. Go there, three points and then on to the next one.” The defender also admitted the original aim was just to break into the Trotters first team: “I do have to pinch myself sometimes, knowing where I came from.” “Just getting into the first team was the challenge at the start and then just getting as many games as possible. All the things that have come with it now are great, I am really proud. “I absolutely love being around the place, the people, the staff, they have just been brilliant. Ever since I have been here have been welcomed with open arms so I am proud to represent the club and to extend my stay.” With winnable games to come against the likes of Exeter City and Oxford United, A win tonight could really start a run of form for the Trotters.
