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Wanderers will welcome Declan John back into the squad for the trip to AFC Wimbledon after the full-back recovered from a knock which kept him out of action in the Carabao Cup.
Ian Evatt has no new injury worries from either the Barnsley game or the draw against MK Dons on Saturday, although Will Aimson is still out of commission with a groin injury.
“Everyone is getting fitter and stronger everyday and Declan has recovered from his knock,” the manager confirmed. “He will be fit and available to play. Everyone will be, apart from Will Aimson, who is still struggling with a bit of a groin strain.”
Wanderers are also close to allowing two of their younger players out on loan, Evatt confirmed.
“What we are looking to do is loan some of them out as development loans,” he said. “We have got a really competitive squad at the moment, particularly in the midfield and forward areas, so if we can find the right option to suit our players’ needs and guarantee the game time then it is a no-brainer for us to give them some time and get them playing week-in, week-out in competitive leagues. We should have some news shortly on that.”
Wanderers have remained unbeaten through the pre-season and now in their opening two games but Evatt still feels there is more to come from his players.
Wimbledon have had a 100 per cent start, beating Doncaster Rovers in the league and then Charlton Athletic in the cup, and the Bolton boss is hoping his side can keep focus on what looks a tough away trip.
“I am satisfied rather than pleased so far,” he said. “We dropped two points against MK and then the other night, first half, we were not ourselves. But we managed to find a way.
“We haven’t lost but we have loads of improvement to come and that has to be a positive.
“Wimbledon have started well and had two good away victories, they play numerous systems but the philosophy stays the same and it will be a battle. We are going to have to make sure we do the basics, win our duels, compete, win first and second balls, and then after that implement our style and the way we do things.
“It’s challenging to do both. The golden chalice is to be a possession-based attacking team but one that can also have the nasty edge and be hard to beat. Once you can do both you are a pretty good team.”
Evatt was also delighted with the draw for the second round of the Carabao Cup, with Wanderers paired against local rivals Wigan Athletic at the DW Stadium.
“I can’t wait,” he said. “I was talking to Sharon Brittain’s son, Toby, and he asked who I wanted in the next round. I said Wigan. Now I’m a philosopher as well as a manager.
“I am glad we got Wigan, it will be a fantastic game for both sets of fans, competitive, and for me it will be the tie of the round.”
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