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Ian Evatt says Gethin Jones is the only serious injury concern to come out of Wanderers’ final day win against Bristol Rovers.
The defender limped off shortly after creating a goal for Shola Shoretire in the first half, complaining of pain in his hamstring.
Evatt admits his vice-captain had been fighting with the problem for a couple of weeks but added that Ricardo Santos – withdrawn at half time – and Shola Shoretire – who had cramp – are not considered major problems.
“Gethin was one of those players who has had a slight hamstring issue and we thought it was more a neural problem and not muscular but he has had a bit of a reaction today, so we will monitor that scenario and see where it is. We don’t know much at the moment.
“Everyone else is absolutely fine, which is the most important thing.
“I decided to protect a few people today. Conor (Bradley) has been struggling with a shoulder issue, Kyle Dempsey has tonsilitis, James Trafford has had one or two bits and pieces.
“I have told you all along that I have a massive belief in the squad and they are all capable of stepping up to the plate. They did exactly that today.”
Swapping Jones for Randell Williams and then Santos for MJ Williams at the break meant Wanderers never looked entirely comfortable in what was already a much-changed line-up.
“I thought we controlled the first half and I don’t think we tested their back line enough, we had some good opportunities, but I think we could have been more penetrative,” said Evatt, who watched the first half from the stands.
“It was always the plan to give Ricardo Santos 45 minutes, so there was a bit of disruption at the start of the second half, having made those changes.
“After that we settled in well and looked a threat when we went forward. Yes, there were one or two things that needed tweaking but I couldn’t really ask for much more.”
Well-taken second-half goals from Dan Nlundulu and Aaron Morley were enough to secure the points, leaving Evatt pleased with his side’s work on the afternoon.
“If you’d have watched Aaron Morley shoot in training yesterday you would have known that was coming. I have never seen a guy kick a ball so hard with a side-foot as he does, he has a wonderful technique and he is capable of special things,” he said.
“I am delighted for Shola getting his first goal. He has had a bit of a stop-start time of it since being here but it is great for him to get his first senior goal and great for Dan (Nlundulu) to get his first one for us. He has been threatening to do that, so I am delighted he did today.”
Wanderers now face Barnsley on Saturday at the University of Bolton Stadium, followed by an away leg on Friday, May 19, at Oakwell.
Though the Tykes claimed a win in the FA Cup at the UniBol in November, Bolton have taken four points and not conceded a goal in their two league meetings.
Evatt remains confident going into the double header.
“It is what it is – we have done our due diligence on all our opposition,” he said.
“I think there has been a change in the last play off position with Peterborough sneaking in and all credit to the job Darren (Ferguson) has done. I think it is a very exciting play-offs.
“There are four very good teams and we are one of them. We are looking forward to it.”
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