Bolton V Burnley at Reebok Stadium - Match Preview




Freedman errs on the side of caution

Bolton manager Dougie Freedman insists he will proceed carefully with his returning long-term absentees ahead of Burnley's visit to the Reebok Stadium.

Influential USA midfielder Stuart Holden came through 90 minutes of a practice match at Wanderers' Euxton training ground this week, further building his fitness after featuring as a substitute in the FA Cup matches against Sunderland and Everton.

Fellow knee-injury victim David Wheater played alongside Holden in the game having made a return for Bolton's Under-21 side against Manchester City last Friday.

Mark Davies (shoulder) is also pushing for a comeback in midfield although this week's derby clash comes too soon for himself, Wheater and defender Matt Mills (thigh).

Midfielder Keith Andrews remains a doubt having been sidelined in recent weeks by thigh and Achilles problems.

Deadline day signing Steve De Ridder came off the bench to make his debut in last weekend's 2-1 defeat at Watford, where fellow new recruit Craig Dawson was an unused substitute.

Burnley centre-back Michael Duff is a major doubt.

Duff started last weekend's 2-2 draw at Peterborough following a short spell on the sidelines with a hamstring problem but suffered a calf injury early in the second half.

The 35-year-old was replaced by David Edgar and Clarets boss Sean Dyche is not hopeful over his prospects of facing Wanderers.

"Duffo is unlikely," he told his club's official website. "He has a calf strain and that will continue to get checked."

Fellow defender Ben Mee remains out with a knee problem but Dyche is otherwise boosted by a clean bill of health.

Top scorer Charlie Austin marked his return from a month out with a hamstring complaint by finding the net inside the first minute at London Road.

Fellow striker Sam Vokes returned unscathed following his goalscoring exploits with Wales in midweek.

Source: PA

Source: PA