Neil Lennon has urged his strikers to be more clinical as they go in search of their first win of the season when they face Wolves at the Macron Stadium.
A disappointing start to the season has seen Wanderers pick up three draws from five league games – a worrying echo of last season’s early struggles, when the side had just one point at the same stage under Dougie Freedman.
Wanderers have scored once in 540 minutes this campaign, and Lennon is looking for his forwards to finish off the rest of the side’s good work.
“I’m happy with the performances, but it’s just the fact we’re not converting the chances we’re creating,” the Bolton boss said.
“If we continue (to create chances) we will eventually turn things around.”
Considering this barren period, Lennon will be casting envious glances across to the away dugout, with Saturday’s opponents boasting one of the most impressive forward lines in the division.
The home supporters will be wary of the presence of two former Wanderers hitmen on Saturday, with Adam Le Fondre and Benik Afobe set to play some part.
Le Fondre scored eight times on loan last season, and Lennon was wise to the possibility of the striker coming back to haunt his old club.
“We know all about him. He scored a very typical Le Fondre goal last time out against Charlton. He’s very well-liked here.
“We tried to get him back this season but obviously we couldn’t do it, so he’s one we’ll have to really keep an eye on.”
Afobe was less successful in his spell at the club in 2012, but Lennon knows his former charge is a different proposition now.
“I think people have to remember he was only very young when he came here, he’s obviously grown up a lot since then.
“It’s not always easy going from club to club, especially when you’re that age.
“Now he’s doing very good things at Wolves.
“Sometimes the difference in this division can be the quality of strikers, and they’ve got quality strikers.”
Lennon has no fresh injury worries following the international break, but Dorian Dervitte will serve out his one-game suspension after his red card at Ewood Park.
Two new signings are set to be named in the squad, with goalkeeper Paul Rachubka and left-back Jose Manuel Casado available.
Image courtesy of BWFC via YouTube, with thanks.
