Sport

Bolton Wanderers boss Dougie Freedman: We’ve stayed calm – we need to carry on

By Scott Hunt

Bolton Wanderers manager Dougie Freedman believes his side have turned a corner and wants to carry on that momentum against Sheffield Wednesday on Saturday.

Wanderers, who won their first game of the season last time out against Birmingham, welcome winless Wednesday to the Reebok.

Freedman insists his Bolton team will treat the Owls with respect and approach the game in the right way.

“We’ve stayed calm over the last few months and it feels like we’ve turned a corner,” he said.

“We need to carry that on now. We’ve got to maintain the intensity that we play with at home.

“Hopefully we’ll get the result that performances have merited over the past few homes games.”

Freedman has a full strength squad ahead of the weekend, long-term absentees aside, with the return of midfielder Andre Moritz after a month out with a groin tear.

Recent loan acquisitions Liam Feeney, Kevin McNaughton and Neil Danns have made a big impression on the team and Freedman has stressed the importance of introducing fresh faces.

“Change is good sometimes, especially with players,” Freedman said.

“We’ve brought in the three loan signings which have done very well for us.

“I don’t drop players. I rotate to pick the best team to go out there and beat Sheffield Wednesday.”

Bolton sit 20th in the table, two points clear of Dave Jones’ Sheffield Wednesday though the Owls have a game in hand on the Trotters.

The two sides have met each other 103 times in their history with Wednesday faring better, winning 45 matches to Bolton’s 36.

Sheffield Wednesday claimed victory at The Reebok in December – the last meeting between the two sides.

Dave Jones will have new loan signing Damien Martinez in the squad on Saturday.

The 21-year-old Argentinian keeper has signed on loan from Arsenal for a month, though Chris Kirkland is expected to keep his place in goal against Bolton.

Reda Johnson will have a late fitness assessment and David Prutton is injured.

Joe Mattock though is in contention after recovering from a knee injury in time to face Wanderers.

Image courtesy of BWFC via YouTube, with thanks.

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