Boss issues warning shot about the quality in the Bolton ranks ahead of today's clash
Mick McCarthy has warned that Bolton have a squad capable of making a late run into the Play-Offs and repeating their turnaround in fortunes of last year.
The Trotters went into the final day of last season in the top six after a terrific last few months of the campaign but a 2-2 home draw against Blackpool cost them a Play-Off place.
They arrive at Portman Road this afternoon in 18th place but Mick knows the threat they carry.
“People will look at Bolton and wonder why they are where they are,” the Town boss told the Club website.
“They were in a similar position last year but went on a great run over the second half of the season.
“Looking at their squad, they certainly have the potential to do that again and they have added to that with two or three new players this week.
“It was a hard fought game at their place earlier in the season but we managed to leave with a point. We will have to play better today than we did at the Reebok though if we are to give ourselves a chance of taking all three points.”
Team news
Town will be without the services of Ryan Tunnicliffe, who was recalled from his loan spell at Portman Road by parent-club Manchester United before subsequently signing for Fulham on a permanent deal. Carlos Edwards is fit to feature, after shaking off a groin problem, although Luke Hyam is still sidelined with a knee injury.
Bolton could hand a debut to deadline day signing Liam Trotter, with the former Town man moving to the Reebok Stadium from Millwall and seeing all paperwork cleared in time. Fellow January window signings, Lukas Jutkiewicz and Yannick Bastos could also feature at Portman Road for Dougie Freedman’s side.
Where they finished last season
Town- 14th
Bolton- 7th
Where they currently stand
Town- 7th
Bolton- 18th
Last time we met
The points were shared at the Reebok Stadium back in October, as a close-fought game ended 1-1. Wanderers midfielder, Medo, opened the scoring in the first-half with a curling free-kick that crept into the bottom corner, but Town hit back in the second-half, as top scorer David McGoldrick perfectly executed a half volley into the corner to ensure we left Lancashire with a share of the spoils.
Match Officials
Referee: Charles Breakspear
Assistants: Stuart Butler and Antony Coggins
Fourth Official: Brendan Malone
Live commentary of the game is available on Ipswich Player from 3pm, with live updates coming via our official Facebook and Twitter pages.
