DAVID Wheater’s football world has been turned upside down – and he could not be happier.

Instead of finding himself locked in a fight with Middlesbrough to avoid relegation to England’s third tier, he has set his sights much higher.

The 23-year-old defender is targeting a place in Europe with Bolton and also aims to win an England call-up.

Wheater goes straight into the Wanderers squad for the home match against Chelsea on Monday and cannot wait to get started.

He said: ‘‘The club should be aiming for Europe. We are up there at the moment. The manager (Owen Coyle) just wants everyone to push on and hopefully get in the Europa League.

‘‘England? That is the ultimate goal I want to achieve.

That’s what every footballer’s goal should be. But I have to get in the Bolton team first and start playing well for them.

‘‘It is great to be back in the Premier League and hopefully involved in games like Chelsea, whether I start or am on the bench, against the top players in the world. This is where I want to be.

‘‘Chelsea should never be written off with the type of players they have. They have so many winners. It will be a tough game but it’s a great first match for me and one we should be looking to win.’’ Wheater is delighted to be teaming up with Kevin Davies rather than facing Bolton’s England striker, who he had many a battle with when Middlesbrough were in the top flight.

He said: ‘‘I am just happy I won’t be facing Kevin Davies any more because I’ve had a few elbows from him over the years.’’ There is mutual respect, with Davies posting on Twitter site: ‘‘Pleased to have Mr Wheater on board. Can’t wait for Monday night.’’ Wheater added: ‘‘I know how well Bolton have been playing. It is a good club to come to and they are flying high.

‘‘I heard the manager is great in training. He is very much a football person and passionate in what he does.

He sold the club to me.’’ Coyle believes Wheater will readjust quickly on his return to the top flight.

Coyle said: ‘‘He is a terrific player. The sooner we get him integrated the better. Gary Cahill and Zat Knight are two top players and so is David Wheater. We need real competition in every area of the field. I am looking forward to working with him.”