Dougie Freedman insists Bolton Wanderers’ qualities give them a fighting chance of beating champions Cardiff City to keep their play-off push on track.
Bolton can seal a play-off berth with victory over Cardiff, providing both Leicester City lose in this evening’s game with Watford and Millwall defeat Nottingham Forest.
Though wary of the pedigree of Malky Mackay’s side, Freedman believes Wanderers have the ability to take the game to a team he feels are deserving champions.
“There is something about us at the moment, we have to look after ourselves and we want to win,” he told Bolton’s official website.
“Cardiff City deserve to have a party, Malky has done a terrific job and they are the champions.
“That will be in the back of their minds but they are professional people and will approach the game in a professional way.
“It will be a difficult game and let’s not forget, they are the champions and they deserve to be.”
The Trotters travel to the Cardiff City Stadium looking for their tenth victory in 13 Championship games, a run that has taken them to sixth in the table.
But the Whites go into the game with a poor recent away record, losing three of their last four league games by a single goal.
Despite this, Freedman feels his side’s organisation and character have brought them to within touching distance of the Premier League, believing their versatility is one of their greatest assets.
“We have different tools in our locker – we can grind out 1-0 wins and hold our leads like we did against Hull City,” explained the Glaswegian.
“We are in a good place right now, we are moving forward as a club and everybody is behind the team.
“The momentum is with us and it is important we maintain that. You don’t only gain momentum from winning matches, we are organised and we are showing great spirit and character.”
Striker David N’Gog and on-loan Liverpool midfielder Jay Spearing are out of the trip to Wales, while centre-half David Wheater has returned to training.
On-loan West Bromwich Albion centre-half Craig Dawson is set to play his final game for Bolton before returning to his parent club.
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