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Ian Evatt says Wanderers must be “cautious” with Will Forrester following the defender’s return to action.
Forrester was named in the starting line-up at Stevenage following a spell out with a hamstring injury and played the full 90 minutes at the Lamex Stadium.
However, he dropped to the bench against Reading and Jack Iredale got the nod alongside Ricardo Santos and Eoin Toal in the back three.
“We have got 18 fit players at the moment so we can’t afford to lose anyone,” Evatt told The Bolton News.
“Being out of the team for a period, to go back-to-back would be extremely challenging – especially given how physical the game on Friday was and how demanding it was. We took the air of caution with him and Jack stepped in and was great.”
Iredale came off during the second half and Forrester took his place, but Evatt confirmed the defender was struggling with cramp rather than anything serious.
“They all just want it so much – that is not a fitness thing, I think it is an emotional thing,” the manager continued.
“Sometimes with the nerves and wanting to do well, it can take its toll with cramp but he will be fine.”
Jon Dadi Bodvarsson also returned to the starting line-up after being on the bench at Stevenage and bagged a brace in front of the bumper crowd at the Toughsheet Community Stadium.
“We are down to three strikers so it was important over the Easter period with the quick turnaround that we tried to keep one fresh,” Evatt explained.
“We decided to target today’s game with Jon and there was a little bit of rotation there. Jon was superb, I am really pleased for him.”
The Wanderers chief felt the performance at Stevenage was too “safe” but praised his players for their approach against the Royals as they secured an important three points.
“I felt like we were fearful on Friday,” he reflected. “I think it was a really difficult game, the circumstances didn’t really suit us – the pitch and type of game it was.
“We did look a bit scared and worried to lose – like we were trying to protect something that wasn’t ours. We had that conversation with the players after the game and again on Saturday.
“I could see today they were in a much better frame of mind and when they play with that freedom and clarity of thought, they are a tough team to stop.”
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