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Josh Sheehan will go straight back into the Wanderers squad at Ipswich with a point to prove, says Ian Evatt.
The in-form midfielder missed Monday night’s game against Burton Albion because he was on international duty with Wales.
Sheehan made just one sub appearance in the friendly against Finland before sitting on the bench in the World Cup qualifier against Belarus and missing out altogether against Estonia on Tuesday night.
Evatt says the playmaker is keen to get himself a regular start with the national team but the cause for Bolton’s four other Wales-eligible players may have been furthered after Gareth Bale and Co enjoyed the show at the UniBol.
“Josh has got to back himself to get into that team,” the Bolton boss said. “We certainly back him.
“I spoke to Josh today and he was frustrated because he saw how good we were while he was sat having his tea with the Wales squad. And they were complementing us about the way we play and the way we do things – and that’s great.
“Having him back is great and you certainly shouldn’t punish a player for being an international player, so he will come back into the reckoning for Saturday.”
Wanderers have Will Aimson back in contention after he came back from a groin injury to play for the reserves in midweek and should be able to name full-back Declan John in the squad after a short bout of illness.
Evatt also gave a promising update on the recovery of attacking talents Amadou Bakayoko, who is out with a calf tear, and Xavier Amaechi, who has been missing for several weeks with a fractured metatarsal.
“Baka is making progress all of the time, Xav is making progress all of the time, so at the moment we are OK.
“I don’t want to set a timeframe on them at the moment because I don’t think that’s fair but they are doing well.”
Evatt also discussed leaving Brandon Comley out of his 23 man squad submitted to the EFL but including defender Liam Edwards.
“We have gone with players we think will affect the first team,” he said. “It doesn’t mean he can’t play for us in the cup competitions but for now that is what we have chosen to do.
On Edwards, he added: “It gives Liam that carrot to get himself back ready, fit and available. We hope he can do that.
“But this isn’t the end for Brandon, either, like anyone else he has to get his head down and work hard, as he does to be honest, and get himself into the plans.”
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