Dougie Freedman hopes Bolton Wanderers’ star men can come to the fore in their clash with Blackpool, as they look to seal a Championship play-off spot.
The Trotters know victory over Paul Ince’s side at the Reebok Stadium effectively guarantees a play-off berth, unless Nottingham Forest beat Leicester City by four goals more than Bolton win.
Though wary of Blackpool’s threat on the wings, Freedman believes his own squad can more than match the Seasiders, but is not taking the game lightly.
“It’s in games like this when you’re looking to the players who have the magic in their boots. We’ve got a number of them,” Freedman told Bolton’s official website.
“Blackpool’s two wide players are the ones to be wary of, they also play with a care-free attitude and they are now safe.
“Blackpool will be trying to finish the season on a high and that will be Paul Ince’s team talk. We have to make sure we have the right balance in terms of attack and defending.
“We need to make sure we know their strengths and weaknesses, so there is no way we are taking Saturday’s game lightly.”
The Whites go into the final-day fixture in impressive home form and are looking for their ninth successive league win at the Reebok Stadium.
Freedman has overseen a Wanderers revival that has seen them climb from 20thto sixth in the table and believes his side have prepared well as the season climax approaches.
“In the last three games we have played with direction and the players have seen a light at the end of the tunnel,” said the Glaswegian.
“Our preparation has been the exact same, the lads are relaxed and fresh. We have been in this position for the last three months having to win football matches.
“Our programme over the last month has seen our training intensity come down, we have had it planned for many months and we have done exactly what we have planned.”
Craig Dawson has returned to West Bromwich Albion after his loan spell expired so Freedman could call on David Wheater, Matt Mills or Tim Ream at centre-half.
Jay Spearing, David N’Gog, Craig Davies, Keith Andrews and Tyrone Mears are all ruled out though through injury.
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