Cahill came through the youth system at Aston Villa before joining Bolton

Bolton Wanderers defender Gary Cahill says he is focused on his future at the club amid speculation linking him with a move away.

The 24-year-old has helped the Trotters climb to sixth in the Premier League.

He told BBC Radio Manchester: "I'm contracted to Bolton Wanderers and I'm enjoying my football and my time here.

"It [the speculation] goes over my head and is out of my control so really it's a bit repetitive and if it's spoken about, it's spoken about."

The centre-back, who made his England debut against Bulgaria in September, endured a seven-week lay-off last season after suffering a blood clot in his arm, a problem that potentially cost him a place in England's World Cup squad.

But despite that setback, Cahill is confident he is a better player now than when he joined Bolton from Aston Villa for £5m in January 2008.

"The whole reason why I left Villa was because I needed to play games and the only way I was going to improve was by playing," he added.

"I'm a much better player than I was then. I've cut out mistakes and things I used to do like going to ground in tackles in the box.

"I just need to keep my head down and keep focused on the job I've got to do at Bolton. It's a real joy to be part of the team at the moment."

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