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Phil Parkinson insists there is still plenty of time for one of the so-called fringe players to make themselves a promotion hero at Wanderers.
Despite keeping a relatively settled team over the first half of the campaign, the Whites boss is sure opportunities will arise for those who have been struggling to find regular football in recent weeks.
Tomorrow may be one such occasion, as illness and injury worries could force Parkinson into a couple of changes to the team which held Premier League Crystal Palace in the FA Cup.
James Henry – who himself came in from the cold with a stunning winner against Scunthorpe United – and Josh Vela are the two players struggling for full fitness. And that could mean a chance for Chris Taylor, Max Clayton or Liam Trotter to take their claim.
Returning club captain Darren Pratley is another man eyeing a playing return now that he has fully recovered from a fractured ankle.
With plenty of twists and turns to come, Parkinson expects every member of his squad to play a part.
“There are players who, in the first half of the season, might not have made the contribution they would have liked. But the door is still wide open for them to come in and make a big impact,” he told The Bolton News.
“You have seen it with James Henry and Max Clayton, who have emerged in recent weeks, but other players who played for the Under-23s the other day can have a big second half of the season.
“We haven’t got the luxury of squad rotation – we have to play the hands which has been dealt to us.”
It seems unlikely Parkinson will get a chance to add significantly to his squad this month unless players are moved out on loan, or on permanent deals.
Wanderers have already outlined their position on young talents such as Josh Vela and Zach Clough – who barring an exceptional offer will remain at the Macron until the summer – which points to the manager working with what he has got, for now.
“With the restrictions we’re under in transfer activity, every single person is vital to us,” he said.
“Sometimes that can be a benefit because it makes you work harder getting extra out of each individual on the training pitch. Every player knows they can get a chance to be a part of it.”
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Despite keeping a relatively settled team over the first half of the campaign, the Whites boss is sure opportunities will arise for those who have been struggling to find regular football in recent weeks.
Tomorrow may be one such occasion, as illness and injury worries could force Parkinson into a couple of changes to the team which held Premier League Crystal Palace in the FA Cup.
James Henry – who himself came in from the cold with a stunning winner against Scunthorpe United – and Josh Vela are the two players struggling for full fitness. And that could mean a chance for Chris Taylor, Max Clayton or Liam Trotter to take their claim.
Returning club captain Darren Pratley is another man eyeing a playing return now that he has fully recovered from a fractured ankle.
With plenty of twists and turns to come, Parkinson expects every member of his squad to play a part.
“There are players who, in the first half of the season, might not have made the contribution they would have liked. But the door is still wide open for them to come in and make a big impact,” he told The Bolton News.
“You have seen it with James Henry and Max Clayton, who have emerged in recent weeks, but other players who played for the Under-23s the other day can have a big second half of the season.
“We haven’t got the luxury of squad rotation – we have to play the hands which has been dealt to us.”
It seems unlikely Parkinson will get a chance to add significantly to his squad this month unless players are moved out on loan, or on permanent deals.
Wanderers have already outlined their position on young talents such as Josh Vela and Zach Clough – who barring an exceptional offer will remain at the Macron until the summer – which points to the manager working with what he has got, for now.
“With the restrictions we’re under in transfer activity, every single person is vital to us,” he said.
“Sometimes that can be a benefit because it makes you work harder getting extra out of each individual on the training pitch. Every player knows they can get a chance to be a part of it.”
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