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Wanderers midfielder Mark Davies is in contention for a first start in almost six months at Bournemouth on Monday.
The 27-year-old came off the bench on Saturday to earn the Whites a creditable draw at play-off chasing Brentford – his second cameo since returning from a knee injury picked up in November.
Now boss Neil Lennon could be ready to pick him from the start as he looks to get the playmaker as many minutes as possible in the final two games of the Championship campaign.
The manager has regularly spoken of his admiration for the creative midfielder and is keen to have him back in his starting line-up as soon as possible.
Lennon told The Bolton News: "We rate him very highly and want to give him as much game time as we can between now and the end of the season.
"I don’t think he’ll feel any after-effects from Saturday’s exertions, so he’ll make us better because he’s a great player."
It has been a lengthy lay-off for Davies but getting more than 45 minutes under his belt at Griffin Park will have boosted his match fitness.
Lennon's delight at having him back was clouded, however, when Davies was not instantly ready to replace the injured Dean Moxey and the Bees scored as a result.
The Whites boss added: "I was really annoyed with Mark because I don’t know what they do, I don’t know why they are not ready.
“There are so many gimmicks, under-arm, over-arm, probably putting his gel on.
"There was a stoppage in play and I was really annoyed I couldn’t get him on the pitch."
Lennon went into the game with other issues off the field after Barry Bannan and Neil Danns were axed from the squad for their late-night hotel antics during the week.
Injuries to Matt Mills and Josh Vela added to his selection problems and he was forced to patch his side up.
But he was pleased with the display, particularly from academy graduate Oscar Threlkeld who was a surprise pick at right-back.
It was the 21-year-old's first outing since the defeat at Norwich on Halloween.
Lennon said: "I thought he was excellent. He’s made big strides this season and he’s had to be patient.
“I felt it was a good opportunity to play him.
“He’s made improvement under Iain (Brunskill, U21s coach) and been very consistent, so I’m pleased he took the opportunity.
“I don’t think it’s probably his best position, Iain has played him in midfield for the most part, but he can certainly play there."
BLOB Wanderers under-21s lost 1-0 at Brighton yesterday in their latest FA U21 Premier League outing – a last-minute penalty from Charlie Harris sealing the points for the Seagulls.
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The 27-year-old came off the bench on Saturday to earn the Whites a creditable draw at play-off chasing Brentford – his second cameo since returning from a knee injury picked up in November.
Now boss Neil Lennon could be ready to pick him from the start as he looks to get the playmaker as many minutes as possible in the final two games of the Championship campaign.
The manager has regularly spoken of his admiration for the creative midfielder and is keen to have him back in his starting line-up as soon as possible.
Lennon told The Bolton News: "We rate him very highly and want to give him as much game time as we can between now and the end of the season.
"I don’t think he’ll feel any after-effects from Saturday’s exertions, so he’ll make us better because he’s a great player."
It has been a lengthy lay-off for Davies but getting more than 45 minutes under his belt at Griffin Park will have boosted his match fitness.
Lennon's delight at having him back was clouded, however, when Davies was not instantly ready to replace the injured Dean Moxey and the Bees scored as a result.
The Whites boss added: "I was really annoyed with Mark because I don’t know what they do, I don’t know why they are not ready.
“There are so many gimmicks, under-arm, over-arm, probably putting his gel on.
"There was a stoppage in play and I was really annoyed I couldn’t get him on the pitch."
Lennon went into the game with other issues off the field after Barry Bannan and Neil Danns were axed from the squad for their late-night hotel antics during the week.
Injuries to Matt Mills and Josh Vela added to his selection problems and he was forced to patch his side up.
But he was pleased with the display, particularly from academy graduate Oscar Threlkeld who was a surprise pick at right-back.
It was the 21-year-old's first outing since the defeat at Norwich on Halloween.
Lennon said: "I thought he was excellent. He’s made big strides this season and he’s had to be patient.
“I felt it was a good opportunity to play him.
“He’s made improvement under Iain (Brunskill, U21s coach) and been very consistent, so I’m pleased he took the opportunity.
“I don’t think it’s probably his best position, Iain has played him in midfield for the most part, but he can certainly play there."
BLOB Wanderers under-21s lost 1-0 at Brighton yesterday in their latest FA U21 Premier League outing – a last-minute penalty from Charlie Harris sealing the points for the Seagulls.
Source
