Bolton defender Gretar Steinsson has returned home to Iceland believing he has made his mark on the Premier League.The 26-year-old full-back was signed by Bolton boss Gary Megson from Dutch club AZ Alkmaar during the January transfer window to help their bid to avoid relegation.

His arrival coincided with the Lancashire club's turn in fortunes as they climbed out of the bottom three to secure their top-flight status for another season.

And while Steinsson admitted the past few months had been "very stressful" he believes the experience has served him well as he prepares to play for Iceland in their international friendly against Wales.

Steinsson said: "It was tough at Bolton when I arrived, the fight to avoid relegation was serious. But we achieved what was needed and I felt I learned a lot about the game in the UK, which will only help me in the future."

Steinsson is the latest Icelandic export to follow in the footsteps of Eidur Gudjohnsen and Hermann Hreidarsson.

But, for now, he has an international break ahead of a holiday, saying: "I am looking forward to playing against Wales, it is always nice to come home to play for the national team.

"There are a lot of young players in this squad, we do not have Gudjohnsen or Hreidarsson this time, but but that means there is the chance for the younger players to make their mark.

"We have good players, proud players, and this game will be between two teams of emerging players intent on proving themselves."

He added: "I see that Craig Bellamy is back the Wales squad. He is a fine player and we know all about him. And it is always good to see players who have been out with long-term injuries finally make their comeback, I wish him well.

"He is a great player and I hope he will get back to the very top, but also that he does not score against us.

"Both sides have young players trying to impress. Because of that it could be a very good game, there are a lot of youngsters wanting to do well.

"And sometimes they play above themselves, you cannot underestimate anyone, particularly young players because they can give more than is expected of them.

"Both teams will play a similar style, a very British side, that is the way we play too."

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