Neil Lennon has challenged his side to prove they are up for the cup on Saturday as his Bolton Wanderers side travel to Hampshire to face Eastleigh in the third round of the FA Cup.
Many think that the four-times winners are prime targets for a giant-killing this weekend, and to remedy against that Lennon will travel to the Silverlake Stadium with a strong squad.
And the Bolton boss has called upon his team to put the disappointing defeat to Huddersfield to one side and ensure that they equal the National League’s side determination and fight.
“It’ll be a big day for Eastleigh, obviously, they’re going to be highly motivated for the game and we have to make sure we match that,” he said.
“It’s a difficult game in the cup, but it’s one that we have to be professional for and try and negotiate as best as we can and then look forward.
“We have to adapt to the conditions however adverse they may be and make sure we can negotiate the tie.
“The disappointment with the Huddersfield game was that we were off the back of the Blackburn game and we couldn’t follow it up with another win at home, so we need to find the recipe for consistency.”
Off the field, Lennon attempted to quell any fears that 20-year-old attacker Zach Clough might be on his way out, with Birmingham City rumoured to be preparing a bid.
In light of Bolton’s well-documented financial struggles, other clubs will inevitably circle the Macron Stadium, and while Lennon could not deny that some offers are far too good to refuse, he confirmed that as yet, such a situation has not yet arisen.
“The sale of Zach depends on the price, he is an asset, no doubt about that, and he is a talent, but I think the club are prepared to not just accept any offer for him.
“There has been firm interest in one or two players, but they haven’t come up with the required price yet.”
Image courtesy of Bolton Wanderers, via Youtube, with thanks
