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The Pompey chimes are calling for one of Wanderers’ young defenders after Jake Wright limped out of the weekend’s draw against Sunderland.
Keith Hill will have to make at least one change from the side which came so close to a first victory of the season, in an arena that has tested many an experienced professional down the years.
The steep stands of Fratton Park make up one of the more unique atmospheres in football, and though a few years in the lower-league wilderness may have dulled the volume slightly from Bolton’s last visit, it remains a challenging arena in which to shuffle a back four.
“It is a hostile ground to play at,” said full-back Adam Chicksen. “The fans are right on top of you, there’s plenty of noise around the stadium and it isn’t exactly just down the road for us, either.
“I think as you get older you start to tune the noise out. Once the first whistle goes everything just goes down and you can concentrate on your game. You can block it all out.”
While Chicksen has nearly 200 career appearances under his belt, one of the players alongside him in Bolton’s back four on Saturday may find it tougher to tune out his surroundings.
Wright’s hamstring injury midway through the second half at the University of Bolton Stadium not only caused an unwanted reshuffle on the day – it also means Hill has to change the back four which had not conceded in open play for the last two games.
It is not yet known how long Sheffield United loanee Wright will be out of action – although the Bolton boss may give an update in his press conference, due to take place this morning.
On Saturday Hill called for Yoan Zouma, and though his appearance was greeted with its customary positive reaction from the Wanderers fans – his first header to clear a corner celebrated like a goal – his stoppage- time handball proved costly.
The Wanderers boss did not mince his words post-match, describing the defender’s handball as “stupid” and “naïve” but nevertheless the 21-year-old is the most experienced option with both Harry Brockbank and Liam Edwards still some way from full fitness.
If he chooses to look elsewhere, opportunity could knock for one of two other homegrown centre-halves.
Jordan Boon was drafted on to the bench at the end of last season by Phil Parkinson and got his first competitive opportunity after Edwards’ injury at Rochdale.
After two substitute appearances in heavy defeats against Tranmere and Ipswich the 18-year-old was handed a start at Gillingham by interim boss Jimmy Phillips.
Boon’s full debut proved a tough one, capped off by an unfortunate own goal in a 5-0 defeat, but a few days later he showed the type of mental toughness Hill has been looking for with a strong performance on the left side of defence against Bradford City in the Leasing.com Trophy.
Adam Senior has earned praise within the academy for his work in training and was rewarded with a first senior start in the Bradford cup clash.
The 17-year-old even got a name-check from Hill last week as he was listing off players who had demonstrated the kind of attitude he wanted since walking through the door at Wanderers.
“Attitude is reflected in leadership and we have got players like Liam Bridcutt, Dennis Politic and Adam Senior who show me that,” he said.
Meanwhile, Wanderers have warned fans that the away game at Burton Albion, due to be played on October 12, could be postponed because of international commitments.
The Brewers have a handful of players, including ex-Bolton target Liam Boyce, who could be called up, meaning tickets for the game are not yet on sale.
Source
Keith Hill will have to make at least one change from the side which came so close to a first victory of the season, in an arena that has tested many an experienced professional down the years.
The steep stands of Fratton Park make up one of the more unique atmospheres in football, and though a few years in the lower-league wilderness may have dulled the volume slightly from Bolton’s last visit, it remains a challenging arena in which to shuffle a back four.
“It is a hostile ground to play at,” said full-back Adam Chicksen. “The fans are right on top of you, there’s plenty of noise around the stadium and it isn’t exactly just down the road for us, either.
“I think as you get older you start to tune the noise out. Once the first whistle goes everything just goes down and you can concentrate on your game. You can block it all out.”
While Chicksen has nearly 200 career appearances under his belt, one of the players alongside him in Bolton’s back four on Saturday may find it tougher to tune out his surroundings.
Wright’s hamstring injury midway through the second half at the University of Bolton Stadium not only caused an unwanted reshuffle on the day – it also means Hill has to change the back four which had not conceded in open play for the last two games.
It is not yet known how long Sheffield United loanee Wright will be out of action – although the Bolton boss may give an update in his press conference, due to take place this morning.
On Saturday Hill called for Yoan Zouma, and though his appearance was greeted with its customary positive reaction from the Wanderers fans – his first header to clear a corner celebrated like a goal – his stoppage- time handball proved costly.
The Wanderers boss did not mince his words post-match, describing the defender’s handball as “stupid” and “naïve” but nevertheless the 21-year-old is the most experienced option with both Harry Brockbank and Liam Edwards still some way from full fitness.
If he chooses to look elsewhere, opportunity could knock for one of two other homegrown centre-halves.
Jordan Boon was drafted on to the bench at the end of last season by Phil Parkinson and got his first competitive opportunity after Edwards’ injury at Rochdale.
After two substitute appearances in heavy defeats against Tranmere and Ipswich the 18-year-old was handed a start at Gillingham by interim boss Jimmy Phillips.
Boon’s full debut proved a tough one, capped off by an unfortunate own goal in a 5-0 defeat, but a few days later he showed the type of mental toughness Hill has been looking for with a strong performance on the left side of defence against Bradford City in the Leasing.com Trophy.
Adam Senior has earned praise within the academy for his work in training and was rewarded with a first senior start in the Bradford cup clash.
The 17-year-old even got a name-check from Hill last week as he was listing off players who had demonstrated the kind of attitude he wanted since walking through the door at Wanderers.
“Attitude is reflected in leadership and we have got players like Liam Bridcutt, Dennis Politic and Adam Senior who show me that,” he said.
Meanwhile, Wanderers have warned fans that the away game at Burton Albion, due to be played on October 12, could be postponed because of international commitments.
The Brewers have a handful of players, including ex-Bolton target Liam Boyce, who could be called up, meaning tickets for the game are not yet on sale.
Source