On-loan Newcastle striker Adam Armstrong has been told by boss Phil Parkinson that he must take his chances if he is to get more game time at Bolton ahead of Saturday’s fixture against Aston Villa.
U20 World Cup winner Armstrong did not even make the bench on Tuesday for Bolton’s game against Bristol City despite the Trotters’ desperate search for goals.
If Wanderers fail to score in tomorrow’s away fixture at Aston Villa, the Lancashire outfit will have failed to find the back of the net all September in what has been a dire start to the season for the Whites leaving them bottom of the Championship with only two points.
Manager Phil Parkinson told MM: “Adam Armstrong is in contention and the other day he was unfortunate to not make the bench.
“As I explained to him we have two strikers and we had to make sure the balance was right.
“He was the one who missed out, but if he does get involved this weekend let’s hope he responds to make sure next time we have a decision like that it can’t possibly be him.”
Bolton have been reinforced in the last week by the signing of experienced midfielder Karl Henry who joined on a free transfer following his release from QPR in July.
Parkinson was impressed with his performance midweek against Bristol City and believes that he can make a positive impact for his side, both on and off the pitch.
“I’m delighted with Karl. He came in and did a great job on Tuesday. Obviously he’s not done a great deal of training […] but what he’s contributed around the building with his knowhow, knowledge and nous will be a big plus for us going forwards.
“He can play in a three or play in a two, so he’s a good addition.”
Bolton face an in-form Aston Villa this weekend, a side that has not lost in its last nine outings and sit ninth, pummelling Burton Albion 4-0 on Tuesday.
Positively from a Bolton perspective, the Whites haven’t lost at Villa Park for five years, albeit they haven’t faced each other since their last meeting in 2012.
Parkinson said his side will have to both psychologically and physically improve if they are to get any to get any sort of result from their away trip.
“We won’t get anywhere being desperate in the way we play and I think a few individuals are almost trying too hard affecting the decision making process.
“We know how Villa are going to play, they’ve been on a good run and we’ll be expecting them to pick the same team as they have done for the last few games.
“We’re going to set our team up to be as strong as we can but also threaten as much as we can against their shape.”
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